Today's artwork was created in 1873 at Kelmscott Manor, a residence of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, one of the masters of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, shared with his colleague, artist and designer William Morris. Alexa Wilding, an aspiring actress, served as the model for the central figure, while May Morris, William Morris's daughter, was the model for the angelic faces. At this time, Rossetti harbored an obsessive affection for Jane Morris, the wife of William Morris and mother of May, whose features subtly merge with Wilding's in the portrayal of the main character, intriguingly combining the visages of the Morris women.
Rossetti's piece is rich in multisensory elements, incorporating references to sound, including a harp and a songbird, and to smell through the depiction of flowers. In Rossetti's later works, musical instruments are frequently employed as symbols of sexuality. This sensuous artwork shies away from a straightforward narrative, opting instead to utilize symbolic imagery, vibrant colors, and meticulous details to conjure an aura of allure. Rossetti himself was particularly fond of this painting, lauding it as "the greenest picture in the world" for its lush visual appeal and symbolism.
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