The Magazine Antiques

February 2, 2010  |  Published in conjunction with a traveling exhibition now at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart (through February 7), and at the Kunstmuseum Bern in March, Edward Burne-Jones: The Earthly Paradise is an examination of the Arthurian legends and mythic tales that Burne-Jones transformed into idealized and allegorical visions for his Victorian audience. It takes its name from a collection of poems written by the arts and crafts progenitor William Morris, with whom Burne-Jones collaborated on the book as well as designs for tapestries, stained glass, and interiors. As his close friends Morris plays a central role in any study of Burne-Jones, however it is the Pre-Raphaelite artist's painting cycles—including Perseus, Briar Rose, and Cupid and Psyche—that are the focus of this major exhibition and catalogue.

Edited by Christopher Conrad and Annabel Zettel—both curators at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart—the catalogue contains twelve essays by them and a number of other international scholars, devoted to such subjects as the painting series, Burne-Jones's early work, religious themes, and his medieval source material. A detailed biographical timeline of both Burne-Jones and Morris is also included. The illustrations throughout are exceptional, and include a strong selection of sketches, preliminary studies, and archival photographs as well as beautifully reproduced oil paintings and gouaches.

Study for The Garden Court, 1889. Birmingham Museums and Art Galleries.

Perseus and the Graiae, c. 1878-92. Staatsgalerie Stuttgart.
The Failure of Sir Garwaine and  Sir Uwaine, designed 1890-91, woven 1895-96 by Morris & Co. Birmingham Museums and Art Galleries.

Edward Burne-Jones: The Earthly Paradise is published by Hatje Cantz, Germany, 2009, hardcover, 232 pp., $60. It is available to purchase directly from the publisher here.