The Prince entering the Briar Wood 1869

Edward Burne-Jones made this painting using traditional materials – oil paint on canvas. But look closely, and you'll see that it is less about pure visuality, and more about texture and the way the artist laid down the paint. Burne-Jones coaxes a subdued palette of greens, browns, and pinks into a tapestry of interwoven forms. He applied delicate brushwork to create a sense of dreamy enchantment, rendering the scene with a distinctive flatness. The labor involved in this painstaking process is palpable, and the emphasis on craft aligns with the values of the Arts and Crafts movement, which Burne-Jones was deeply involved with. In this respect, the painting speaks to the movement's broader social concerns, questioning the industrial age's values by embracing handcraft, and prioritizing quality of design. By imbuing the scene with tangible presence, Burne-Jones invites viewers to reflect on the value of slow, careful creation in a rapidly changing world. It’s a world away from the high-speed aesthetic that was gaining traction at the time.