Love leading the Pilgrim – Study of Birds; Finches 

Edward Burne-Jones made this study of finches with chalk on paper. Burne-Jones was a leading figure in the British Arts and Crafts movement, and his choice of materials here reflects this interest in traditional techniques. The chalk, with its soft, earthy tones, gives the birds a delicate, almost ethereal quality. You can see how Burne-Jones has used the chalk to create subtle gradations of light and shadow, bringing out the texture of the birds’ feathers. The use of paper as a support also adds to the work’s intimate, handmade feel. In a time of increasing industrialization, Burne-Jones and his contemporaries sought to revive the values of craftsmanship. This drawing then, celebrates the beauty of the natural world, inviting us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in its creation. It also challenges us to think about the value of handmade objects in a world increasingly dominated by mass production.