Studies of Hands for "The Bath of Venus"; verso: blank c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Edward Burne-Jones's "Studies of Hands for 'The Bath of Venus.'" Editor: They’re so delicately rendered, almost ethereal. The soft shading creates a sense of gentle movement, like hands suspended in water. Curator: Indeed. Burne-Jones, active in the latter half of the 19th century, was deeply engaged with classical mythology. These hands, sketched in graphite, were preparatory studies for his painting, "The Bath of Venus." Editor: The hands holding the staff... that symbol of authority or support strikes me. Do you see Venus as needing support, or perhaps wielding a different kind of power? Curator: It's interesting you say that! In Victorian art, Venus was often reimagined to critique the restrictive roles placed on women by society. Perhaps the staff represents a re-evaluation of female agency. Editor: It's fascinating how these seemingly simple sketches can reveal layers of meaning when you consider their context. Curator: Absolutely, they offer insight into Burne-Jones’s process and Victorian attitudes toward classical figures.