Venus in a Chariot, Study for "The Passing of Venus"; verso: blank c. 1875

Editor: This is Edward Burne-Jones' study for "The Passing of Venus," a pencil sketch showing Venus seated in a wheeled enclosure. There’s something almost unsettling about the bars around her. What do you make of this image? Curator: The cage-like structure is fascinating, isn't it? It evokes a sense of constraint, even imprisonment. Consider how Venus, a symbol of love and beauty, is visually confined. Does this restriction enhance her allure, or diminish her power? What emotions does this contrast evoke? Editor: I hadn’t considered the cage adding to her allure. It definitely makes me think about how beauty is often perceived, like a rare bird in a gilded cage. Curator: Precisely. Burne-Jones was deeply interested in how societal expectations and even idealized love could confine individuals. It's a powerful visual metaphor, making us consider the weight of cultural ideals. Editor: I learned a lot about the cultural symbols present in this artwork. Thank you!