The artwork titled “Pia de’ Tolomei” was created by Dante Gabriel Rossetti circa 1868. Executed in oil on canvas, it belongs to the Romanticism art movement and measures 105.4 x 120.6 cm. It is categorized as a literary painting and is currently housed in the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, US.
The artwork depicts a contemplative female figure, Pia de’ Tolomei, who is rendered in a soft, sentimental manner characteristic of Romanticism. She is seated in an undulating, serene pose, surrounded by lush green foliage, which emphasizes her natural grace and melancholy. Her downcast eyes and clasped hands convey an air of introspection and sorrow. The presence of a sundial and prayer book with rosary beads underscores themes of time and piety, contributing to the melancholic and reflective mood. The background reveals an architectural element with birds in flight, enhancing the poetic ambiance and providing a sense of narrative depth, aligning with the literary nature of the painting. The intricate details and the overall composition epitomize Rossetti’s skill in intertwining literary and visual elements to evoke deep emotional responses.
