Dante Gabriel Rossetti is described as an English poet, illustrator, painter, and translator, and member of the Rossetti family. The last phrase “member of the Rossetti family” ignited my curiosity.
I knew that his father, Gabrielle Rossetti was a poet and scholar and that his siblings were notable for their creativity: Christina Rossetti (Poet), Maria Rossetti (Author), and William Rossetti (Writer and Critic, founding member along with his brother, Dante, of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood).
I discovered that the Rossetti family is spoken of as “The House of Rossetti.” The Rossettis are an Italian noble, and Boyar Princely family that appeared in the 14th-15th century, during the Republic of Genoa. The family continues to this very day.
I knew immediately when I turned the calendar page to Monday, November 8th, that Dante Rossetti was the artist that painted, Joan of Arc Kissing the Sword of Liberation (1863).
The vivid detail, the rich colours and imagery, and the intense emotions that are captured in facial expression create the mystical quality for which he is known.
What is most noticeable is the strong neck and pronounced chin. Who was the model for this painting? There are two possibilities: Mrs. Beyer from Germany, or an acquaintance of Rossetti’s named Agnes Manetti.
In 1996, the Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCS) purchased Joan of Arc Kissing the Sword of Liberation, which marked the first Dante Rossetti painting acquired by a French museum. The painting is on permanent loan from the MAMCS to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Palais Rohan.
ChasingART 
Thank you for the additional information. YES, even our generation is adding our contribution
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Stunning portrait.
I read about Joan of Arc at a young age. She was perhaps the first woman in history to pique the feminist in me.
The Rossetti family sounds like an interesting lineage to learn more about.
Now, the first woman in my lifetime to pique the feminist in me was Lucille Ball.
An odd correlation, nonetheless correlated.
I really enjoy this art calendar adventure you take us on!
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I am delighted that you enjoy these posts, Resa. I started ChasingART to explore art. There is so much to learn so I take one painting at a time. And it seems to work for me. I loved Lucille Ball – her enthusiasm for life, her humour, and her courage to take risk. Remember when she announced her pregnancy? And they could not even say the word “pregnant”on the show, I love Lucy. https://youtu.be/bUpndu4rPEA. We have come a long way, thanks to many who have come before. Sending hugs!
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I do remember & Yes, a long way! Tears came to my eyes with that clip.
Thank you, Rebecca!
{{{{hugs}}}
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That was Lucille Ball’s brilliance. Funny, joyful and yet profoundly philosophical. Sharing your tears.
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Thank you, Rebecca for introducing me to the talented and gifted Rossetti family, an Italian family from the 14/15 hundreds. The painting of Joan of Arc, painted by Danti Rossetti, is beautiful with vivid colors and strong features; and is a great example of his talent. At first, until I read further, I did not know what the item was so close to Joan of Arc”s lips, but the whole painting from each side and in the middle is full of color and movement. truly outstanding! !
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I am delighted that you enjoyed this painting. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded by John Everett Millais, William Holman Hunt and Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1848, and expanded to four further members. They found that contemporary art had become corrupted and ordinary. They wanted something new – a return to the vivid colours, detailed compositions and realism of the Medieval period, which comes through in this painting. Every generation gives us a new reason to love art all over again.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you, Cindy. I often wonder what it would be like to share an evening meal with the Rossetti family. What conversations they must have had.
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