Saint Theresa, Design for a Stained Glass Window, Whitelands' Training College, Chelsea c. 1893

Editor: Here we have Edward Burne-Jones' "Saint Theresa, Design for a Stained Glass Window," from the late 19th century. I'm struck by the androgynous figure and the bird perched on her shoulder; it feels both holy and otherworldly. How do you interpret this piece? Curator: This work sits within a broader Victorian fascination with female saints, yet Burne-Jones gives us a Theresa that challenges traditional gender roles. Consider the context: How does visualizing female power through religious imagery negotiate Victorian societal constraints and expectations of women? Editor: So, it's not just about religious devotion, but also about the idea of female authority? Curator: Precisely. The bird, often a symbol of the Holy Spirit, combined with Theresa's writing implements, suggests divine inspiration fueling her intellectual and spiritual work. What does that say about Burne-Jones's view of women's roles? Editor: I see it now! It reframes women's intellect as divinely inspired, rather than a threat. Curator: Exactly. Art can challenge the status quo.