Rossetti, Dante Gabriel

Dante Gabriel (1828-1882), an English poet and painter. He was the son of Gabriele Rossetti, an Italian poet. The younger Rossetti was born in London. He studied art at the Antique School of the Royal Academy. He became noted as one of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which was warmly supported by Madox Brown and by Ruskin. Rossetti's most famous associates in the brotherhood were Millais and Holman Hunt. Rossetti painted in both oil and water colors. His principal paintings include Dante's Dream, Salutation of Beatrice, Dying Beatrice, Blessed Damozel, and Monna Vanna. Many designs were left unfinished. Rossetti's pictures were seldom exhibited so that his reputation depends upon the judgment of those who have had access to the private collection. This judgment is, for the most part, enthusiastic. Critics give him a high place among English poets. His contributions to literature include translations of the earlier Italian poets and a volume of ballads, songs, and sonnets.