Green Summer - Edward Burne-Jones

A serene 1864 watercolour by Edward Burne-Jones, depicting a group of women in a quiet, verdant setting.

Green Summer, completed in 1864, is a characteristic work by Edward Burne-Jones, a figure associated with the later phase of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. The composition depicts a group of eight women seated together in a verdant, enclosed space. They are dressed in flowing, medieval-style robes, their postures relaxed and contemplative. The figures are arranged in a semi-circle, creating a sense of quiet intimacy and shared stillness. The colour palette is dominated by various shades of green, which unify the figures with the surrounding foliage, suggesting a dreamlike or timeless atmosphere.

Burne-Jones often drew inspiration from Arthurian legend and classical mythology, yet this specific work avoids a clear narrative. Instead, it focuses on mood and the decorative arrangement of form. The figures exhibit the elongated proportions and melancholic expressions that became hallmarks of his mature style. The lack of a specific action or interaction between the women invites the viewer to observe the scene as a static, poetic moment rather than a dramatic event. The application of watercolour and gouache allows for a soft, matte finish, which complements the ethereal quality of the subject matter. This piece reflects the artist's interest in creating an aesthetic experience that prioritises harmony and visual rhythm over realism. The figures appear almost as extensions of the natural environment, their garments echoing the folds and shadows of the trees behind them. It is a work that captures the specific Pre-Raphaelite interest in escapism and the idealisation of a romanticised past, presented through a lens of careful, deliberate composition.