Created:
Movement:
1871/72
Symbolism
key Notes:
Pre-Raphaelite symbolism, ethereal transcendence
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Dimensions:
87.5 × 69.3 cm (34 7/16 × 27 1/4 in.); Predella: 26.5 × 69.2 cm (10 7/16 × 27 1/4 in.); Framed: 156.2 × 102.9 cm (61 1/2 × 40 1/2 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
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story of the work:

"Beata Beatrix" is a painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, created between 1864 and 1870. The work depicts Beatrice Portinari, the muse of Dante Alighieri, and is inspired by Rossetti's interest in the themes of love and death. The painting features a serene Beatrice, surrounded by symbolic elements such as a white dove and a red poppy, which represent spiritual love and death, respectively. Rossetti's use of vibrant colors and intricate details reflects the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic, emphasizing emotional depth and symbolism. The composition is notable for its ethereal quality, with Beatrice's gaze directed upward, suggesting transcendence. The painting is housed in the Tate Britain collection, where it continues to be a significant example of Rossetti's work and the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

Description of the work:

"Beata Beatrix" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti is an oil on canvas painting characterized by its rich color palette and intricate detail. The composition features a central figure, Beatrice, depicted with flowing red hair and a serene expression, embodying an ethereal quality. She is shown in a three-quarter pose, her gaze directed upward, suggesting a sense of transcendence. Surrounding her are symbolic elements, including a white dove, which represents the Holy Spirit, and a wreath of flowers, signifying purity and love. The background is rendered in soft, muted tones that contrast with the vibrant colors of Beatrice's attire, enhancing her prominence within the composition. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, while the delicate brushwork contributes to the overall dreamlike atmosphere of the piece. The painting reflects Rossetti's interest in themes of love, death, and spiritual longing, typical of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Beata Beatrix