Who painted Study of a Young Woman's Head?

Study of a Young Woman's Head was painted by Edward Burne-Jones in 1898.

Where can I see Study of a Young Woman's Head?

Study of a Young Woman's Head is held by Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

What movement is Study of a Young Woman's Head?

Study of a Young Woman's Head is associated with Pre-Raphaelite.

Can I buy a print of Study of a Young Woman's Head?

Museum-quality prints of Study of a Young Woman's Head are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Study of a Young Woman's Head

Edward Burne-Jones , 1898

Study of a Young Woman's Head is an oil painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Edward Burne‑Jones completed the oil painting Study of a Young Woman’s Head in 1898.

About this work

Overview

It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and exemplifies Burn‑Jones’s sustained engagement with Pre‑Raphaelite ideals.

Edward Burne‑Jones completed the oil painting Study of a Young Woman’s Head in 1898. The work presents a solitary portrait of a youthful female figure, rendered with the meticulous attention to line and form characteristic of the artist’s mature period. It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and exemplifies Burn‑Jones’s sustained engagement with Pre‑Raphaelite ideals.

Subject & Meaning

The composition isolates the sitter’s head, set against a muted gray backdrop that eliminates distraction. The woman’s hair is gathered in a simple bun, and she is dressed in a plain white garment, suggesting modesty and timelessness. Her expression is composed and tranquil, inviting contemplation of inner calm rather than narrative drama.

Technique & Style

Burne‑Jones employed oil pigments to achieve subtle modelling of flesh tones, creating a gentle sense of volume and skin translucency. The brushwork is soft yet precise, allowing the gradations of light to convey depth without overt texture. The overall palette is restrained, emphasizing the delicate interplay of light and shadow that defines the figure’s serene presence.

History & Provenance

The painting was executed toward the end of Burne‑Jones’s career, a period marked by refined portraiture and decorative projects. After changing hands through private collections, it entered the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing the later works of a central Pre‑Raphaelite artist.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Edward Burne-Jones

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, 1st Baronet (; 28 August 1833 – 17 June 1898) was an English painter and designer associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's style and subject matter.