The Daily Painting: Sancta Lilias

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Sancta Lilias

(click to enlarge)

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

(English, 1828-1882)

Sancta Lilias, 1874

Oil on canvas

Originally an earlier version of The Blessed Damozel, Rossetti was unhappy with it and cut it down to the size it is now.

1 comment:

LionessDecember 18, 2010 at 4:04 AM
Wow, it would seem Rossetti was taking inspiration from Byzantine icons here (gold background, etc, but with "realistic" faces). Gorgeous! The "lilies" almost look like irises...?
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Questions to ask about a painting

What is the subject of the painting? Does the title add to your understanding of the painting?

What's the main color scheme? Why do you think the artist chose these colors? How do they make you feel?

Where do you look first? What do your eyes follow around the painting? What seems most important in this painting?

Is the painting organized, or jumbled? Chaotic or peaceful?

Consider what it all might mean: What does the painting tell you? What is the artist trying to say about the subject matter? What feeling does the painting evoke? How did the painter achieve this effect?