Mr. Edward Burne-Jones called.
Mr. Bowen, by way of presenting him properly to the consideration of the Court, proceeded to read extracts of eulogistic appreciation of this artist from the defendant's own writings.
The examination of witness then commenced; and in answer to Mr. Bowen, Mr. Jones said: [13]"Of the estimate which shall be formed of Mr. Jones's own work....
"His work, first, is simply the only art-work at present produced in England which will be received by the future as 'classic' in its kind—the best that has been or could be."—Prof. Ruskin: Fors Clavigera, July 2, 1877. "I am a painter, and have devoted about twenty years to the study. I have painted various works, including the 'Days of Creation' and 'Venus's Mirror,' both of which were exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery in 1877. I have also exhibited 'Deferentia,' 'Fides,' 'St. George,' and 'Sybil.' I have one work, 'Merlin and Vivian,' now being exhibited in Paris. In my opinion complete finish ought to be the object of all artists. A picture ought not to fall short of what has been for ages considered complete finish."
Mr. Bowen: "Do you see any art quality in that nocturne, Mr. Jones?"
Mr. Jones: "Yes ... I must speak the truth, you know".... (Emotion.)
Mr. Bowen: ... "Yes. Well, Mr. Jones, what quality do you see in it?"
Mr. Jones: "Colour. It has fine colour, and atmosphere."
Mr. Bowen: "Ah. Well, do you consider detail and composition essential to a work of Art?"
Mr. Jones: "Most certainly I do."
Mr. Bowen: "Then what detail and composition do you find in this nocturne?"