The Heart Of The Rose Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

Here we observe a scene unfolding within what appears to be a walled garden, bathed in a soft, diffused light. The composition is dominated by three figures: a man in monastic robes, a woman seated amidst roses, and a winged being positioned adjacent to her. A dark brick wall forms the backdrop on the left side of the canvas, while a continuation of the rose-covered wall extends along the right edge, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy.
The man, dressed entirely in black, approaches the woman with an outstretched hand, seemingly offering something or initiating contact. His posture is one of reverence and perhaps supplication. The woman, seated on what appears to be a stone ledge, responds with a gesture that suggests both acceptance and a degree of apprehension. She wears a simple green gown, its color echoing the foliage surrounding her, and her gaze is directed downwards, hinting at introspection or vulnerability.
The winged figure stands close to the woman, partially obscuring her from view. Its presence introduces an element of the supernatural or divine. The being’s attire – a combination of blue and red robes beneath a white head covering – suggests a hierarchical status, while its large, dark wings create a dramatic visual contrast against the lighter tones of the garden setting. A staff is held in one hand, further emphasizing this figures authority.
The roses themselves are significant; they proliferate throughout the scene, intertwining with the wall and enveloping the woman’s space. Roses often symbolize love, beauty, and secrecy, but also pain and sacrifice. Their abundance here could signify a complex emotional landscape – a blend of joy and sorrow, innocence and experience.
Subtleties in color contribute to the paintings overall mood. The dark tones of the man’s robes and the wall create a sense of solemnity and confinement, while the green of the woman’s dress and the vibrant hues of the roses offer a counterpoint of hope and vitality. The limited palette reinforces the feeling of a contained world, a private moment suspended in time.
The painting seems to explore themes of faith, temptation, and divine intervention. It is not merely a depiction of individuals but rather an allegorical representation of a spiritual journey or a pivotal encounter with forces beyond human comprehension. The ambiguity inherent in the gestures and expressions leaves room for multiple interpretations, inviting contemplation on the nature of grace, choice, and consequence.