Romanticism beguiles at the Tate Britain with a show focusing on one of the most eminent Pre Raphaelite painters Edward Burne-Jones.
Opening on October the 24th, it has been a long time since such a strong body of his work was presented in an exhibition and cover not only painting but some of his famous stained glass work as well as interior projects such as tapestries and a very grand piano.
He was the last of the Pre Raphaelites, having a late start and studying under Rossetti rather than at art school.
In his time one of the most daring and original artists who caused scandals with his nude depictions his work spanned between around 1860 – 1890 in the Victorian era.
Its a popular choice as the Pre Raphaelites continually inspire designers and artists and the clothing style which was based on ancient times reflects current fashion too.
If you have a young tween or teen interested in the arts this is a perfect show to visit, the paintings are shown in chronological order and become larger and grander as you progress through the rooms.
It is all very beautiful but remember this was avante-garde in its time, we are so far beyond that now and not necessarily in a good way that some will find it too tame but the craftsmanship is superb and its a real pleasure to spend some time away from the world we have now and immersed in a Victorian fantasy.
An early watercolour work of Edward Burne-Jones from 1860 based on the gothic tale Sidonia the Sorceress at Tate Britain
Part of a alterpiece painted for St Paul’s church in Brighton, the gold leaf and raised pattern work was inspired by Renaissance techniques – The Annunciation and the Adoration of the Magi 1861
One of Edward Burn -Jones stained glass works at the Tate Britain retrospective from around 1863
Classic romanticism by Edward Burne-Jones Laus Verenis 1873-8
I loved The Golden Stairs, the Guardian reviewer hated it, Oh well! At Tate Britain from 24th Oct Burne-Jones
So weird and yet one of my favourites, Edward Burne-Jones The Depths of the Sea 1886, apparently a mermaid dragging a sailor to his death so not so cheery!
Exquisite silver and gold leaf work on Perseus and the Graiae 1877, a technique Edward Burne-Jones chose not to pursue but this is beautiful
The final room shows Edward Burne-Jones decorative talents, never one to turn down a paid commission this is a piano for a patron William Graham daughters 21st birthday
Detail from The Holy Grail tapestries, Edward Burne-Jones 1894 at Tate Britain from October 24th
All photos by Smudgetikka – all rights reserved. Posts copyright Smudgetikka – no reproduction without permission 2009-2018