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Mrs. Zambaco

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

1870

Physical Description

Medium: coloured chalks
Dimensions: 39 3/8 x 28 in.
Signature: DGR
Date on Image: delt 1870
Note: The date, monogram and the sitter's initials are inscribed at upper left: “M. T. Z.”

Production Description

Production Date: 1870
Model: Maria Cassavetti Zambaco

Provenance

Current Location: Clemens–Sels–Museum, Neuss
Catalog Number: Ma. 103
Archival History: Maria Cassavetti Zambaco; Alexander Cassavetti; Christie's sale November 19, 1965 (lot 26), £441; David Hughes; Penelope Schofield

Scholarly Commentary

Introduction

This picture is similar to another chalk drawing completed by Rossetti in 1870, with Fanny Cornforth as the model. Both show the sitters in three-quarter length poses against a simple background, their faces illuminated by a shaft of light (a device reminiscent of Proserpine ). Each are garbed in white, and holding a feathery red fan. Subtle differences serve to differentiate the models' temperaments, however; whereas Fanny Cornforth's image is imperious and sensual, Maria Zambaco's delicate features convey a muted and pensive air.

Bibliography

  • Benedetti, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 282.
  • DGR 1828-1882: An Exhibition, Tokyo 1990, 111 (plate 60).
  • Surtees, A Catalogue Raisonné , vol. 1, 202 (no. 541).
Mrs. Zambaco
Copyright: DGR 1828-1882: An Exhibition (Tokyo 1990)

Reproductions

  1. image

    Benedetti, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 282.
Electronic Archive Edition: 1
File Name: s541.rap.xml