The Lament 1866

Edward Burne-Jones created this haunting work, 'The Lament', using watercolor and gouache. Notice how Burne-Jones uses color to evoke specific emotions and meaning. The deep blues in the figure on the right suggest sorrow and introspection, while the pale rose tones of the figure on the left and the surrounding architecture perhaps indicate a gentle sympathy or nostalgic reflection. The composition is carefully structured, creating a dialogue between the two figures. One is actively lamenting, while the other provides a passive, musical response. Burne-Jones was deeply influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites’ interest in medieval and Renaissance art, as well as their use of symbolism. The artist's approach invites us to consider the artwork as a complex system of signs and symbols, where the visual elements function not merely as aesthetic choices but as carriers of cultural and emotional meaning. The formal qualities of color, composition, and line come together to create a visual language that speaks to the broader concerns of human emotion.