Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones was a prominent artist during the Aestheticism movement of the 19th century. In his watercolor and gouache painting titled “Clara von Bork 1560,” Burne-Jones depicts the virtuous sister-in-law of the sorceress Sidonia von Bork. Both figures are based on characters from Wilhelm Meinhold’s gothic romance “Sidonia the Sorceress.” The painting is currently housed in the Tate Britain collection in London, UK under reference number N05877.
In this depiction, Clara von Bork is seen holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing Victorian fashion. Her serene expression and flowing hair add to her angelic appearance. The overall simplicity of the image allows for a focus on her virtuous character rather than elaborate details or surroundings.
Burne-Jones’s work in general was known for its emphasis on beauty rather than subject matter, as seen in this piece. This particular painting showcases his masterful use of watercolor and gouache to achieve soft tones and delicate details. Overall, “Clara von Bork 1560” is an exemplary representation of Burne-Jones’s contributions to Aestheticism art during his time period.
Overall, “Clara von Bork 1560” captures both Burne-Jones’s skill as an artist but also tells a deeper story about virtue amidst dark influences, making it a valuable addition to Tate Britain’s collection.
