Orpheus Pursued by Furies 

Curator: Here we have "Orpheus Pursued by Furies" rendered in watercolour, by Edward Burne-Jones, a prominent figure of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Editor: My first impression is one of stark emotionality, heightened by the circular format. There’s a frantic energy, a vortex of feeling communicated through gesture and those tormented faces. Curator: Absolutely. Pre-Raphaelite art frequently incorporated literary subjects, focusing on beauty and meticulous attention to detail. With its roots in watercolour and naive art, it stands in contrast to conventional artistic expressions. Editor: Let’s consider the Furies themselves. Traditionally, they embody vengeance and torment, representing a psychological projection of guilt or unresolved conflict. Note their frantic hair and gestures; they seem possessed. Burne-Jones effectively communicates the intensity of their pursuit through visual cues alone. Curator: Exactly. And watercolour here, being somewhat unforgiving in its nature, brings forth transparency yet builds up intensity via layers, showcasing technical mastery blended with romantic storytelling. The very materials push against the smooth aesthetic found in classicism. Editor: Yes, the fluidity of the medium perfectly reflects the emotional volatility of the scene. I’m particularly drawn to the subdued palette, browns and greys which imbue a sense of doom and inevitability. It echoes a sort of psychological landscape. Curator: Watercolour itself was becoming democratized around this period. Pre-Raphaelites embraced materials associated with amateur practice, questioning hierarchical notions within the craft world. The making becomes, in itself, as significant as the art being made. Editor: Burne-Jones does a great job depicting eternal themes through classical motifs, the artwork resonates far beyond a historical tale, touching universal anxieties, trauma and redemption, embodied in mythical images. Curator: Agreed. Reflecting on it all, we're faced with not only artistic skill but also an artifact steeped in social undercurrents of its time—materials meeting narratives, echoing through art historical movements. Editor: It's remarkable to see how such enduring cultural and emotional themes are captured using techniques that were redefining art itself, sparking deeper connections with history and the psyche.