Draped Figure and Reflection, study for Mirror of Venus c. 1873 - 1877

Edward Burne-Jones made this pencil study, Draped Figure and Reflection, for his painting *Mirror of Venus.* Burne-Jones masterfully coaxes the effects of weight and texture out of humble graphite. Notice the painstaking detail used to render the folds of the fabric, how it clings and drapes. It gives the figure a sculptural presence. The reflection below, sketched with the same precision, adds another layer of depth to the image. The artist's hand is ever-present here. Burne-Jones likely spent hours carefully building up these delicate layers of shading. Every line and mark reflects his artistic intention. By understanding the material and the process behind this study, we can appreciate Burne-Jones's skill in translating vision into form. It also allows us to understand the labour involved in crafting these images, reflecting his broader social context.