Caricature of William Morris Playing Skittles 1870

Editor: This is Edward Burne-Jones's "Caricature of William Morris Playing Skittles." It's a simple graphite drawing, full of humor. What do you see in this piece beyond just a funny scene? Curator: I see the weight of friendship and cultural memory. The exaggerated form of Morris, captured by Burne-Jones, reveals not just a physical likeness but also an intimate understanding. What symbolic weight do you think the game of skittles carries? Editor: It seems like a reference to a shared activity, perhaps a symbol of leisure and camaraderie. Is there anything else to the visual symbolism? Curator: The drawing's simplicity emphasizes directness and honesty, reflective of the Arts and Crafts movement of the time. Burne-Jones strips away ornamentation, focusing on essential form and shared experience. Editor: So, it's more than just a joke between friends; it's a visual representation of their values. Curator: Precisely. It gives an interesting perspective on art history and psychology.