Artwork
Beata Beatrix
Beata Beatrix is an oil painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Beata Beatrix is a painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a Pre-Raphaelite artist, existing in multiple versions. The first version, completed in 1870, is an oil on canvas work.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Beatrice Portinari from Dante Alighieri's La Vita Nuova, at the moment of her death. The scene is symbolic, drawing on the poet's idealized love for Beatrice.
Technique & Style
The work features a woman in a garden, dressed in a green robe, with a red bird on her hand and a sundial and poppy in the background. The atmosphere is serene and contemplative, characteristic of Rossetti's style.
Context
The painting is associated with Rossetti's personal experiences, as he drew parallels between his own life and Dante's poetry. The work reflects his fascination with medieval Italian literature and culture.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Gabriel Charles Dante Rossetti (12 May 1828 – 9 April 1882), generally known as Dante Gabriel Rossetti ( rə-ZET-ee; Italian: ), was an English poet, illustrator, painter and translator.
