The artwork titled “Desdemona” is a creation of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, produced approximately between 1878 and 1881. This piece is executed in chalk and is categorized as a sketch and study within the Romanticism movement. Measuring 69.8 by 50.8 cm, the artwork is part of a private collection.
In this artwork, Rossetti depicts Desdemona, a character from William Shakespeare’s play “Othello.” The figure of Desdemona is shown in a seated position, her body draped in flowing garments that suggest classical or romantic styling, which is typical of Rossetti’s work. She is leaning forward slightly with her chin resting on her hand, indicating a contemplative or sorrowful mood. Her gaze does not meet the viewer but seems directed inward or at a distant object, enhancing the sense of introspection or melancholy. Desdemona’s hair is wavy and cascades around her shoulders, adding to the romantic aesthetic of the piece. The chalk medium is used to create soft textures and subtle shading, giving the figure a delicate and ethereal quality. The unfinished edges and background suggest that the focus is entirely on the emotional state and the character of Desdemona, which aligns with the Romantic emphasis on individual expression and emotion.
