“The Beloved study (The Bride study)” is an artwork created by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1865, adhering to the Romanticism movement and executed with pen. As a sketch and study, the piece is likely a preparatory work for a more finished painting. In examining the artwork itself, it features a sketched portrait of a female figure. Her expression is neutral, with a gaze that appears to look directly at the viewer. The features of this woman are softly defined, showcasing Rossetti’s delicate pen work. Her hair is abundant and wavy, framing her face and adding a sense of vitality to the study. The detailing of her hair contrasts with the lightness of her facial features, creating a balance between precision and softness within the artwork. There are also subtle strokes indicating the garment or drape around her neck, suggesting a classical or romantic attire that aligns with the aesthetic of the Romanticism movement. The sketch’s ephemeral quality and the romantic styling mirror the themes commonly explored by Rossetti and his contemporaries during this period.
