Musical Angels 

Editor: This is *Musical Angels* by Edward Burne-Jones. The ethereal quality feels like it's drawing from Renaissance traditions. What do you see in it from a historical perspective? Curator: From a social history viewpoint, it’s interesting how Burne-Jones and the Pre-Raphaelites were reacting against industrialization, wasn’t it? Editor: Absolutely! It seems that Pre-Raphaelites wanted to bring beauty and craftsmanship back. Curator: Yes, exactly! They longed for a perceived idyllic past, focusing on medieval and early Renaissance themes. Consider how this image reflects those desires and ideals. It isn’t just the subject matter of a classical figure in mythological robes. Look at the color palette; What might that remind us of? Editor: It makes me think about illuminated manuscripts. Is that a fair comparison? Curator: It absolutely is. He uses a refined approach to mimic older processes, adding to that "spiritual" or even moralizing visual culture. What kind of political impact does this direction of aesthetics offer in England at that time? Editor: So it becomes like an ethical project against industrialism itself...to steer social perception? Curator: Precisely! He isn't only creating something to be "pretty". His images of beauty are part of the overall artistic agenda within larger conversations of socio-political awareness, as many things are. Editor: This gives a great background, seeing this beauty within society. Thanks for shedding light on this! Curator: It was nice to exchange perspectives. I appreciate your view, and your understanding of socio-political effects adds great depth to these artistic works.