The Blessed Damozel study 1876

This is a study for "The Blessed Damozel," made by Dante Gabriel Rossetti using graphite on paper. The subtle gradations and delicate lines achieved with graphite lend a softness to the figure, contributing to the ethereal quality Rossetti sought. It's worth noting that drawing, while fundamental to all artistic training, was often seen as a preliminary activity – a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. Rossetti's commitment to drawing as a valid form of expression challenges that hierarchy. Think about the labor involved: the careful layering of graphite, the control required to create such a detailed image. Rossetti elevates the medium through his skill. This work invites us to reconsider our assumptions about materials and techniques. It encourages us to see the value and beauty in what might be considered 'mere' drawing.