Study for "Cupid and Psyche" c. 1865

Curator: This is Edward Burne-Jones's study for "Cupid and Psyche," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. The piece measures roughly 21.5 by 20.2 cm. Editor: It's incredibly delicate; the stark white chalk on the dark paper gives the figure a ghostly, almost ethereal quality. Curator: Burne-Jones and other artists around him were reviving interest in classical myth in the late 19th century, with Burne-Jones often presenting updated ideas of beauty and heroism. It's also an interesting glimpse into his creative process. Editor: Absolutely. The posture, the bowed head—it speaks volumes about vulnerability and perhaps a sense of burdened weariness. It’s a raw rendering of emotion. Curator: The lack of a firm dating also raises some interesting questions about Burne-Jones' relationship with the Royal Academy and Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Editor: Yes, a fascinating piece that invites contemplation on form and feeling. Curator: Indeed. It also showcases how Burne-Jones was part of a larger movement.