Description
The Beata Beatrix painting by artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti is a work of art that has captivated art lovers for decades. This masterpiece was created in 1864 and measures 86 x 66 cm. It is an oil painting on canvas that represents the Italian poetess Beatriz Portinari, who was the inspiring muse of the poet Dante Alighieri.
The artistic style of Beata Beatrix painting is Pre-Raphaelite, an art movement that emerged in England in the 1840s. This style is characterized by detailed attention to nature, literature, and history, and the use of bright colors and vivid. Rossetti was one of the main exponents of this movement, and in this work we can see his ability to create a detailed and realistic image.
The composition of the painting is impressive. Beatriz is sitting in a garden surrounded by flowers, her eyes closed and a peaceful expression on her face. Behind her, an angel with white wings offers her a red flower, which represents passion and love. The composition is symmetrical, which gives a sense of balance and harmony.
Color is another interesting aspect of painting. Rossetti uses bright and lively colours, such as the intense red of the flower that the angel offers Beatriz and the exuberant green of the garden. These colors create a sense of life and vitality in the work.
The story behind the painting is also fascinating. Rossetti created this work in tribute to his wife, Elizabeth Siddal, who had died in 1862. Siddal had been his muse and model for many years, and the image of Beatrice in the painting is a representation of her. The work is also inspired by Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, in which Beatrice is the poet's guide through Paradise.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Rossetti modified it several times after its original creation. In 1870, he added a gold background behind Beatrice to give it a more heavenly look. He also changed the title of the work from "Beatrix" to "Beata Beatrix", to emphasize her holiness and her connection to the Divine Comedy.
In short, Dante Gabriel Rossetti's Beata Beatrix painting is a masterpiece of Pre-Raphaeliteism that combines stunning composition, vibrant colors, and a fascinating story. It is a work that continues to captivate art lovers and is undoubtedly one of the most important of the 19th century.