Description
The Study for the Head of Astarte Syriaca painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti is a fascinating work showing the head of the goddess Astarte, a Phoenician deity associated with fertility and love. The work was created in 1877 and has an original size of 55 x 45 cm.
One of the most interesting features of this painting is the artistic style used by Rossetti. He is known for being one of the Pre-Raphaelites, an art movement that sought to return to the forms and techniques used by Italian artists before Raphael. This is reflected in the attention to detail and precision in the representation of the figure of the goddess.
The composition of the work is also remarkable. Astarte's head is in the center of the painting, surrounded by a halo of light that seems to emanate from it. The figure of the goddess is set against a dark background, which highlights her beauty and mystery.
The use of color in the work is also impressive. Rossetti used rich shades of blue, red, and gold to create an effect of lightness and shimmer on Astarte's head. These colors contrast with the dark background and create an effect of depth and three-dimensionality in the figure.
The history of the painting is also interesting. Rossetti created several versions of the Astarte head, and this particular work was used as a study for a larger painting that was never completed. Astarte's head became a recurring theme in Rossetti's work, and became a symbol of beauty and femininity in his art.
In conclusion, the Study for the Head of Astarte Syriaca painting is a fascinating work that showcases Dante Gabriel Rossetti's ability to depict the human figure with precision and beauty. Its pre-Raphaelite artistic style, composition, use of color, and history of the work make this painting a unique and memorable piece of art history.