The artwork, titled “The Lady of Pity,” was created by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1879. It is an oil on canvas painting characterized by its alignment with the Romanticism art movement. The piece, measuring 85.1 x 72.4 cm, is categorized as an allegorical painting and is currently housed at the Fogg Museum, part of Harvard Art Museums, in Cambridge, MA, US.
In this painting, Rossetti presents a contemplative female figure, epitomizing an allegory of pity. The subject’s demeanor, with her somber expression and gentle posture, evokes a profound emotional depth, typical of Romantic art. The subtle use of color and light highlights her serene yet melancholic presence, inviting viewers to ponder the underlying themes of compassion and empathy. The detail in the rendering of her features and attire demonstrates Rossetti’s technical prowess and his commitment to conveying emotive narrative through visual art.
