“The First Anniversary of the Death of Beatrice,” created in 1853 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, is a watercolor painting that is part of the Romanticism art movement. It measures 61 x 41.9 cm and belongs to the genre of literary painting. The artwork is currently housed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, UK.
The artwork notably captures a poignant scene inspired by literary themes, depicting a meditative interior with a central figure kneeling beside a window. The kneeling figure is dressed in black robes, suggesting mourning, and his gaze is directed outside the window into the distance, possibly reflecting on the memory of Beatrice. Around him, three other figures are present, each engaged in varying expressions of solemnity and contemplation. Their robes, rich in color and texture, contribute to the overall emotional depth of the scene. The backdrop includes a carefully detailed interior with elements such as a skull, plants, and glass flasks, symbolizing both life and death. The scene is imbued with an atmosphere of introspection, characterized by the luminescent quality of the watercolor medium that Rossetti masterfully employs to evoke the tender melancholy of remembrance.
