Edward Burne-Jones: Victorian Artist-Dreamer : Book Review

Stephen Wildman's book "Edward Burne-Jones" provides readers with a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the life and work of the renowned British artist. Through meticulous research and analysis, Wildman dives into various aspects of Burne-Jones' artistic career, shedding light on his early influences and his involvement with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

One of the book's strengths lies in its detailed examination of Burne-Jones' artistic development. Wildman traces the evolution of his style, from his initial experimentation with the vibrant colors and detailed brushwork of the Pre-Raphaelite movement to his later exploration of more harmonious and ethereal compositions. The author also explores Burne-Jones' fascination with mythology, literature, and religion, illustrating how these themes became central to his artistic vision.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Burne-Jones' personal life is a subject of great interest in the book. Wildman delves into the artist's relationships, particularly his close bond with fellow artist and friend Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The impact of these relationships on Burne-Jones' artistic development is explored, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of his creative process.

Wildman's book is further enhanced by its inclusion of beautiful illustrations, allowing readers to visually appreciate the intricate details and delicate craftsmanship that define Burne-Jones' art. The careful selection of images adds depth and context to the author's analysis, bringing the artist's work to life within the pages of the book.

Overall, "Edward Burne-Jones" offers readers a captivating and engaging exploration of one of the most significant figures in the Victorian art world. Through its comprehensive analysis and insightful commentary, Stephen Wildman's book invites readers to immerse themselves in the life and art of Edward Burne-Jones, providing a rich and profound understanding of the artist's legacy.

What are readers saying?

"Edward Burne-Jones" by Stephen Wildman is a biography that delves into the life and work of the renowned British artist, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of his artistic journey. However, opinions on the book are divided, with some readers praising its meticulous research and detailed portrayal of Burne-Jones, while others find it too academic and dry.

Readers who enjoyed the book applauded Wildman's attention to detail and thorough research, which shed light on Burne-Jones's influences and artistic motivations. They found the analysis to be in-depth and appreciated the comprehensive understanding it provided. These readers felt that the book effectively captured the artist's journey and development.

On the other hand, some readers felt that the book was overly academic and lacking a personal touch. They found Wildman's writing style dry and focused too much on historical facts, making it difficult to stay engaged with the narrative. These readers wished for a more engaging and lively portrayal of the artist's personality.

Furthermore, some readers found fault with the book's organization and structure, describing it as disjointed and lacking a clear chronological flow. This made it challenging to follow Burne-Jones's progression as an artist and understand the significance of certain events in his life.

Despite these criticisms, many readers appreciated the numerous illustrations included in the book. They found these visuals to be of high quality and clarity, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of Burne-Jones's artwork.

#EdwardBurneJones #PreRaphaeliteArt #BookRecommendation