Dante Gabriel Rossetti remains one of the most iconic painters of the nineteenth century. His artistic journey influenced and inspired many artists, writers, and scholars.
In this article, we will delve into his life and artistic legacy, examining his early years, co-founding the Pre-Raphaelite movement, relationships with Elizabeth Siddal and John Ruskin, paintings and later years. Early Life:
Born in London on May 12th, 1828, Dante Gabriel Rossetti was the second child of Gabriele Rossetti and Frances Polidori.
His father was a poet and a professor of Italian, while his mother was a homemaker. Growing up in a creative and intellectual household, Rossetti showed an early interest in literature, poetry, and art.
He was a student at King’s College London, where he developed a love for medieval art, which would profoundly influence his later works. Rossetti trained for a short time at Sass’s and the Royal Academy schools before dropping out.
However, he continued to study and experiment with different media, including watercolors, pastel, and oil painting. William Blake and Ford Madox Brown were among his early inspirations.
Rossetti’s interest in medieval and religious art was further fuelled by his friendship with Brown, who had a similar passion.
Co-founding the Pre-Raphaelite Movement:
In 1848, Rossetti, along with William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais, co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood movement.
The movement aimed to create radical religious artworks that went against the conventions of the art establishment of the time. The Pre-Raphaelites created pieces inspired by the medieval period, before the time of Raphael, the great Renaissance artist who had a tremendous influence on art and culture.
Rossetti was instrumental in creating the Pre-Raphaelite vision, which centered around intricate details, luminous colors, and striking compositions. They rejected the Romantic era’s hazy compositions, seeking a much more precise and realistic style.
This approach to painting allowed them to create works that were full of meaning and symbolism. Relationship with Elizabeth Siddal and John Ruskin:
Elizabeth Siddal was a crucial figure in Rossetti’s life, both as a muse and a lover.
Siddal was a milliner, and Rossetti met her when he visited her shop. He was immediately captivated by her beauty and began to paint her regularly.
Their relationship was turbulent, with Siddal suffering from poor health and Rossetti from substance abuse. She died of an overdose in 1862, and Rossetti was devastated.
Another significant figure in Rossetti’s life was John Ruskin, an art critic and social reformer. Ruskin was a great admirer of Rossetti’s work and became a close friend and mentor.
Rossetti greatly valued Ruskin’s opinion and often sought his feedback on his paintings. Ruskin’s encouragement and support gave Rossetti the confidence he needed to experiment with new techniques, such as painting on solid wood and utilizing unusual materials like feathers and hair.
Later Years and Decline in Health:
Rossetti’s later years were tumultuous, marked by a mental breakdown, alcohol dependency, and careless actions that almost led to his death. He continued to paint prolifically, but his health was declining rapidly.
He became increasingly reclusive, spending days in his studio, working on his paintings and indulging his addiction. Despite his illness, Rossetti continued to have a significant influence on the art world.
His artwork remained in high demand, and he continued to work on commissions, including a large mural for the Oxford Union. He was also involved in the production of books, designing illustrations for classic works such as Shakespeare’s Sonnets.
Conclusion:
Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s legacy is immense, and his impact on the art world is immeasurable. He created some of the most memorable paintings of the nineteenth century, and his co-founding of the Pre-Raphaelite movement inspired many other artists to create works imbued with meaning and symbolism.
His artistic vision and contribution to the art world will forever remain permanent landmarks in art history. In summary, Dante Gabriel Rossetti was a prominent painter of the nineteenth century who co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite movement with a desire to create radical religious artworks.
Rossetti’s passion for the medieval period, luminous colors, and symbolic compositions contributed much to his legacy in the art world. His relationships with Elizabeth Siddal and John Ruskin had a significant influence on his artwork, life, and growth as an artist.
Rossetti continued to work and create even in declining health, leaving a tremendous impact on the art world. His story serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, passion, and perseverance, inspiring artists for generations to come.