Clasped Hands, for "The Hours"; verso: Right Hand Holding Thread, for "The Hours" c. 1882

Curator: At first glance, this drawing feels incredibly intimate, almost like a stolen moment. Editor: Indeed. What we're looking at is Edward Burne-Jones' study of hands, titled "Clasped Hands, for 'The Hours'," part of his preparatory work now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a glimpse into the artist's process. Curator: The softness of the pencil lends a certain vulnerability to the hands, and they seem to almost intertwine. I think the gesture speaks to notions of connection and support, perhaps reflecting the social and political climate during Burne-Jones’ time, a period defined by debates around labor and class. Editor: I appreciate how Burne-Jones uses such delicate lines to depict a very material reality. The Victorian era was obsessed with the symbolism of hands, weren’t they? The way they can express status, labor, and emotion. Curator: Absolutely. It’s compelling to consider how his works might have been interpreted in relation to the burgeoning feminist movement, which questioned traditional gender roles and called for greater equality. Editor: Looking at the drawing today, I’m struck by how it continues to resonate, sparking conversations about human connection and the power dynamics embedded in our everyday interactions. Curator: It’s a testament to Burne-Jones' skill that a simple study of hands can still evoke such profound and timely reflections.