Standing Angel c. 19th century

Curator: This is Edward Burne-Jones's study, "Standing Angel," housed right here at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a pencil drawing, though undated. What’s your initial reaction? Editor: The angel's drapery is what strikes me. It's rendered with such linear precision, yet seems almost weightless. You can almost feel the texture of the cloth. Curator: Burne-Jones was a key figure in the Aesthetic movement. He often drew on medieval and mythological themes, reflecting a societal turn from industrialization to romanticized pasts. Editor: Interesting. Given his devotion to craft, the almost repetitive rendering of the gown is a testament to the time and labor. How did this angel serve within his broader production? Curator: Sketches such as this were often studies for larger paintings or stained glass commissions, demonstrating his engagement with the religious and historical narratives popular at the time. Editor: It reveals how "fine art" often relies on the skill and process usually categorized as "craft," blurring those divisions and highlighting the value of making. Curator: Indeed, and understanding that interplay opens new avenues for appreciating Burne-Jones's project and its place in art history. Editor: Absolutely, and it underscores how even ethereal subjects are grounded in the materials and labor of their creation.