Study of "Dawn," after Michelangelo; verso: blank c. 19th century

Editor: This is Edward Burne-Jones's "Study of 'Dawn,' after Michelangelo," a drawing at the Harvard Art Museums. The delicate sanguine chalk feels so intimate. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The texture, achieved through subtle hatching, meticulously models the figure. Note how Burne-Jones prioritizes form over linear precision. The lack of firm outlines invites the eye to complete the shapes, creating a dynamic interplay between presence and absence. Editor: So, it's less about accurate representation and more about... suggestion? Curator: Precisely. The artwork transcends mere reproduction; it becomes an exercise in visual poetics, engaging the viewer in a perceptual dialogue. Editor: That emphasis on form really changes how I see it. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, a deeper appreciation arises through recognizing the artist's formal choices.