Lizzie Siddal

Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882)

1854

Pen and ink on paper

238 x 112 mm

Collection: The Victoria & Albert Museum, London

This is one of a series of drawings, some in pencil and some in pen and ink, of Rossetti’s muse, Elizabeth Siddal, whom he married in 1860. [Commentary continues below.]

Image capture and text by Simon Cooke. [Click on the image to enlarge it.]

© Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Image in the public domain.

Rossetti presents Siddal in a typical melancholy pose. The enclosed space, introspective facial expression and placing of the hands suggest a deep sadness, and the effect is heightened by the grey tones of the lighting. Rossetti’s draughtsmanship and finishing are on this occasion very accomplished, especially his subtle and expressive plays of light and modelling.

Created 30 October 2021