Portrait Of Margaret, The Artist’s Daughter 

Edward Burne-Jones created this delicate portrait of his daughter Margaret, using oils on canvas. It invites us to consider the changing status of women in late 19th century Britain. Burne-Jones was deeply involved in the Aesthetic movement. This elevated beauty above all else. Often, Aestheticism drew on the art of the Italian Renaissance for inspiration. It is no coincidence that Margaret's demure gaze and simple clothing evoke the idealized women painted by artists like Leonardo da Vinci. But while women were increasingly visible as subjects of art, the Victorian era was still highly restrictive. As a result, women were not always able to participate in public life as equals. To fully appreciate this painting, one might explore periodicals and conduct archival research. In this way we can understand the changing social role of women. Art like this is always tied to the social conditions of its time. It is something that is contingent on social and institutional context.