King Arthur and the Weeping Queens 1857

Dante Gabriel Rossetti created this drawing on paper of King Arthur and the Weeping Queens using pen and ink. Rossetti's choice of the pen as a primary tool suggests a deliberate engagement with line and detail, and this has imbued the artwork with a particular kind of graphic intensity. The stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the emotional weight of the scene, and we can see this in the somber expressions of the queens as they mourn King Arthur. In terms of the material qualities, the ink lines create texture and depth. Rossetti was deeply involved in the Arts and Crafts movement, and this is evident in his attention to craftsmanship. He often integrated symbolism into his designs and drawings, and we can see this in his meticulous rendering of the queens' crowns, as well as the details of King Arthur’s sword. Ultimately, the artistic value of the image resides in the combination of material, making, and context, defying the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.