Fire Tree 1905

Edward Burne-Jones created this watercolour and gouache piece called "Fire Tree" in an unknown year. The composition is structured within a tondo, offering a self-contained world, dominated by the figure of a woman beneath a stylized tree. Note how Burne-Jones uses colour and form to create meaning. The muted palette lends a dreamlike quality to the scene, while the figure's upward gaze directs our attention towards the tree's canopy. The tree is rendered with dense, textured brushstrokes, which contrast with the smoother handling of the figure's drapery. This technique is typical of late 19th century symbolism, where natural forms are imbued with a sense of mystery. Burne-Jones destabilizes the traditional religious iconography, presenting a more intimate, humanistic vision. The circular frame and stylized forms create a sense of timelessness, inviting contemplation on themes of faith and introspection. This piece functions as a meditation on the boundaries between the earthly and the divine.