Sir Edward Burne Jones

by Russell Ash

Burne-Jones, the Pre-Raphaelite painter and leader of the Aesthetic Movement is celebrated in this biographical, art and reference title that reproduces many of his works. Born in Birmingham, the son of a craftsman, Burne-Jones showed precocious ability at school. At Oxford University he met William Morris where they established a mutual interest in art. Their first important influence was that of one of the founding fathers of Pre-Raphaelitism, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, with whom in 1857 they painted murals at the Oxford Union. After Oxford his painting career developed and he rapidly established his position as the leader of the Aesthetic Movement. Burne-Jones also worked for Morris's firm, supplying designs for stained glass, tapestries, tiles and other products, including his own illustrations for the celebrated "Kelmscott Chaucer". Travels to Italy while still a student and later in his life exposed him to the influence of Botticelli and other Italian masters. His artistic life was a continual pursuit of beauty, an obsession with battles fought and choices made between good and evil, with chivalry and courtly love, all intricately interwoven with High Victorian ideals. Russell Ash's other books include "The Impressionists and Their Art" and the biographical, art and reference titles "Toulouse The Complete Posters", "Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema" and "James Tissot".

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art and Photography

1 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 1993

About the author

Russell Ash is best known for his annual 'The Top Ten of Everything' and other popular reference works, but he is also the author of numerous humour titles. His extensive research work encompasses biographical studies and genealogy.

Reviews

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot and found new works to love. The plates are just stunning. I can't believe what this man could do with watercolours. Very interesting to see how much of his personal life with his mistress he was willing to share with the viewing public! I can't help but feel for his wife.

[Bill38silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood is my favourite art movement so it is inevitable that this book would be well received. It is a larger than A4 sized book so the splendid works of art can be seen in sufficient detail to fully appreciate the skill of one of the leading painters and stained glass artists in the Victorian period. In addition to the 70 plates , 56 in full colour, there are one page notes to each illustration plus 10 pages of very helpful biography of Burne-Jones. Together, these help to understand the context and meaning behind the particular work . Some of these pieces of art were worked on painstakingly over many years.

Whilst knowing the symbolism or meaning behind each work is not essential to appreciate the sumptuous end result, an understanding of Burne-Jones life, personality and troubled personal relationships is very helpful. Feast your eyes on this visual treat.

[Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent folio of the major works of a late-period member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 19th century England. Just added this beautiful book to my library.