Why Kate Bunce and Her Art Deserve More Recognition

We don’t know about many prominent female characters in classic art. Sure, women have been muses and the subjects of many paintings or other works of art, but what about actual painters? While most of us can name about five famous classical painters off the top of our heads, nine times out of ten all those names would be men’s. Well, thanks to this article you will know about at least one woman — Pre-Raphaelite artist Kate Bunce.

Bunce was born in Birmingham, England, in 1856 and displayed an early knack for art. She was soon taken under the wing of famous Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones, where she flourished. Bunce’s body of work is characterized by color, symbolism, and a slight deviation from the artistic norms of her time. She painted scenes inspired by literature, mythology, and the natural world, which looked like something out of a dream with a sense of etherealness and mysticism.

Everything Was Art to Bunce

Much like the stereotypical image of a modern-day artist, everything about Bunce’s appearance was an indication of her trade. Even her clothes! She was known to dress in bright colors and interesting shapes, incorporating Medieval elements into her overall look.

The Birmingham Group

The Birmingham Group was an artistic collective that was dedicated to the beauty in natural, everyday things — the Arts and Crafts movement. It featured luminaries such as Henry Payne and Joseph Southall, who worked alongside Bunce. As part of the group, Bunce created some vibrant, handcrafted interiors designed for Birmingham’s Holy Trinity Church, combining craftsmanship and fine arts.

Leaving a Legacy

Kate Bunce’s portfolio is relatively modest, but for quite an unfortunate reason. The artist sadly passed away at 36 years old. She was survived by her vibrant works of art, among which you might recognize “Musica (Melody,)” a beautifully bright piece showcasing a woman playing the lyre. Interestingly, the model who sat for the painting was Kate’s sister Myra, who was also an artist, often using her skills as a metal worker to collaborate with Kate.