Jane Morris 1873

This evocative drawing of Jane Morris was made in 1873 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, using pen and brown ink over graphite on paper. The choice of relatively simple materials speaks to the intimate nature of the portrait. Rossetti’s rapid, fluid lines, particularly noticeable in the rendering of fabric and hair, create a sense of immediacy. The hatching technique, where closely spaced parallel lines build up tone and shadow, shows his skill in draftsmanship. It’s fascinating how the inherent qualities of ink – its fluidity and capacity for creating both delicate and bold marks – contribute to the drawing’s overall expressiveness. The handmade quality emphasizes the close relationship between artist and sitter. Rossetti was deeply involved with the Arts and Crafts movement, which advocated for handcrafted objects in opposition to industrial production. This drawing then, while seemingly simple, connects to broader questions about labor, value, and the artist's hand. It shows that even a sketch can embody significant cultural meaning.