title | The Blessed Damozel

artist | Dante Gabriel Rossetti

style | Pre-Raphaelite

date | 1871-7

collection | Fogg Museum of Art

Art History at a Glance

Artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti was inspired by one of his works of poetry when he painted The Blessed Damozel. In this image, the auburn-haired female figure looks longingly at a man who reclines in a bottom panel (or predella). We learn from Rossetti's poem that the Damozel resides in heaven, and is therefore separated from her earthly lover. The lilies that the Damozel holds are symbols of her purity and virtue, and the trio of child-like angels also reinforces the theme of innocence and heavenly love. It is also worth mentioning that the model for the Blessed Damozel was the Pre-Raphaelite 'stunner' Alexa Wilding.