The Bower Meadow Study (Study of Dancing Girls) 1872

Dante Gabriel Rossetti made this graphite study on paper, “The Bower Meadow Study (Study of Dancing Girls)," sometime in the mid-19th century. Rossetti was a key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists who rejected the academic art of their time, seeking to return to the detail and vibrant colors of early Renaissance art. Here, we see two women in flowing gowns, caught in what seems to be a moment of intimate dance. Rossetti's work often harked back to medieval themes and aesthetics, which resonated with a broader Victorian fascination for a romanticized past. The Pre-Raphaelites, in their rejection of the industrial age, were implicitly critiquing the social changes they were witnessing. To fully appreciate Rossetti, it’s crucial to consider the artistic institutions of his day, such as the Royal Academy, which the Pre-Raphaelites challenged. Examining period writings, letters, and exhibition reviews helps us understand the complex social and artistic debates of Rossetti's time.