Copyright: ©Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham
The Blue Bower
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
1865
Physical Description
Medium: oil
Dimensions: 35 1/2 x 27 1/4 in.
Signature: monogram
Date on Image: 1865
Note: The monogram and date are inscribed at lower right.
Production Description
Production Date: 1865
Exhibition History: R.A. 1883 (no.303); Manchester
Royal Jubilee
Exhibition
1887 (no.707); Wembley
British Empire
Exhibition
1924 (w.23); Newcastle 1971 (n.60); Tate 1984 (n.132)
Original Cost: £120
Model: Fanny Cornforth
Provenance
Current Location: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham
Archival History: Gambart, £120; Agnew, £500; (?Samuel) Mendl. J. Dyson
Perrins; Sotheby's sale April 22, 1959
(lot 109), £1900; The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham
Reproductions
-
Surtees, A Catalogue Raisonné , vol. 2, plate 259.
Electronic Archive Edition: 1
File Name:
s178.rap.xml
Scholarly Commentary
Introduction
The picture is an aesthetic work, as emphasized by the background tiles (inspired by the blue and white china DGR loved and collected). Also notable is the fantasy recreation of a Japanese koto as the musical instrument. The painting is an excellent example of DGR's determination to make an artistic marriage of western Venetian ideas and motifs with eastern decorative art work, including Japanese ukiyo-e colored prints.
Bibliography