Two Profile Studies, for "The Sleep of Arthur at Avalon" c. 19th century

Editor: This is Edward Burne-Jones's "Two Profile Studies, for 'The Sleep of Arthur at Avalon.'" I’m struck by the delicate lines. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Burne-Jones was deeply engaged with medieval legends, particularly the Arthurian cycle. Considering the social context of Victorian England, how might these idealized figures serve as a form of cultural critique or escapism? Editor: Perhaps they offered an alternative to the industrial realities? Curator: Exactly. And beyond escapism, these studies reflect the artist's personal relationships. How does understanding Burne-Jones's intimate circle change how we view the figures depicted here? Editor: It personalizes the myth. I never thought of the models' identities before. Curator: Recognizing the intertwined personal and political dimensions transforms how we see the artwork.