Dante Gabriel Rossetti

by Russell Ash

Poet and painter, founder and acknowledged leader of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882) has beguiled and intrigued admirers for more than a century with his turbulent life and his romantic imagery. Rossetti, the English-born son of an Italian political refugee and brother of the poet Christina Rossetti, considered a career as a poet before seeking his fortune as an artist - and succeeding in both occupations. Unable to adapt to the discipline of formal art training, Rossetti ultimately developed a personal style that placed him at the forefront of the Victorian artistic world. Forty of Rossetti's finest works are reproduced here in large, full-color plates and accompanied by individual commentaries. An illustrated introductory text traces the details of Rossetti's fascinating life and career and sets his art in the context of his day.

Genres: Art, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Russell Ash is best known for his annual 'The Top Ten of Everything' and other popular reference works, but he is also the author of numerous humour titles. His extensive research work encompasses biographical studies and genealogy.

Reviews

[?0?0?0]

If you like/love Rossetti more than I do, this hardcover is for you: beginning to end it's filled with large reproductions of around 50 of his paintings.

Now, I've seen Rossetti's work in London and elsewhere and always found myself liking some of it and the rest typically left me indifferent. It's the same here. However, even the stronger works aren't as memorable as I had recalled. Unlike artists I'd list as a favourite, Rossetti's best paintings do not offer a lot outside of some sparse symbolist nods and enticing atmospheres that do not make me want to study them for a prolonged time or desire to see, ever.

[Susan Liston]

gorgeous book with large reproductions of his major paintings, with plenty of info about each one.

[Lana]

Lovely, a well written and informative read for both enthusiasts and those who are simply interesting. Also filled with glossy prints,accompanied by explanation and interpretation.