Semi-Nude Female Figure with Mirror in Right Hand c. 1873 - 1877

Edward Burne-Jones made this drawing, "Semi-Nude Female Figure with Mirror in Right Hand," using graphite on paper. These are humble materials, yet Burne-Jones coaxes a beautiful figure from them. Look closely at the details. The soft, muted tones and delicate lines give the figure a sense of ethereal beauty, almost as if she's emerging from a dream. The slight smudging of the graphite adds depth and dimension, enhancing the sense of movement and volume. Burne-Jones employs hatching and cross-hatching to build up the shadows and contours of the figure, adding to the illusion. Though seemingly simple, this drawing showcases Burne-Jones' skill in capturing the human form and conveying emotion through subtle gradations of tone and texture. The act of drawing, in his hands, becomes a way of imbuing the artwork with deeper meaning, elevating it beyond a mere representation of a nude figure.