The only difference to be noticed in his first and his last paintings was a difference in the speed and skill with which he handled the paints. New ideas occurred to him so rapidly that he formed the habit of making quick sketches and putting them aside until he had time to work them out carefully.
Burne-Jones had never rebelled against the profession his father chose for him. Indeed, he felt satisfied and made every effort to succeed in it. Perhaps if he had remained at home, or even if he had not met the enthusiastic William Morris just when he did, he might never have discovered his power as a painter.
The knowledge of the disappointment at home and the small means at his disposal did not hinder him from forsaking the profession his family had chosen for him, for was he not following the advice of the great painter, Rossetti? Not many young artists have found such a friend as Rossetti was to Burne-Jones. He not only gave the desired instruction but helped his pupil get such work as he was capable of doing. When the glass makers applied to Rossetti for a design for a stained-glass window, he declined to undertake the work but recommended his pupil instead.
A visit to Italy gave Burne-Jones new inspiration. Later when William Morris married and went to live in a house which had been built for him at Bexley Heath, he had difficulty in furnishing this house to suit his taste and desire for beautiful things. This led Morris to establish a firm to make such things. Of course Burne-Jones was heartily in sympathy with his friend and put his talents as a designer at the disposal of the firm. His wonderful imagination and fine powers of expression produced all kinds of decorative work, such as tapestries, embroideries, carved chests, book covers, book illustrations, and decorations for pianos, screens, and friezes.
Although he received so much praise in his later years, at first he, too, had to pass through the fire of criticism and even ridicule. At one time Burne-Jones was ridiculed in the pages of Punch, while in another magazine he was spoken of as the “greenery-yallery Grosvenor-gallery young man.” But these criticisms were soon forgotten, and all England was proud to honor this artist with medals. In 1894 Burne-Jones was given the title of baronet.
Questions about the artist. Tell about the boyhood of Burne-Jones; his education. What kind of subjects did he choose for his paintings? What was his idea of a good painting? Who was his first teacher? Why did he wait so long before he began to study painting? What can you say of his imagination? Tell about William Morris and his new home. What did Burne-Jones do for his friend?
AURORA
Questions to arouse interest. What goddess does this represent? Whom is she leading? Upon what do they rest? Over what are they passing? What has Aurora in her hands? Toward whom is she looking? In what is Apollo riding? How many horses has he? What has the cherub in his hand? Which way does the flame blow? why? What makes you think they are moving? In what direction do their garments blow? Who painted this picture? Why do you like it?