“The Loving Cup” is a portrait by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, completed in 1867. Executed in gouache on paper, the artwork is part of the Romanticism movement. It measures 63 by 36 centimeters and is housed in the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) in Adelaide, Australia.
The artwork features a female figure, richly dressed in warm hues of red that dominate the palette. She holds a red cup in her right hand, elevating it slightly as if in a toast, while her left hand grips a coiled object, possibly a ribbon or another type of ornament. Her expression is composed yet contemplative, adding to the overall serene mood of the piece. The background showcases a series of round plates adorning the wall, and green foliage subtly weaves into the scene, providing a contrast with the reds and earthy tones in the foreground. The detailed depiction of her attire, particularly the intricate lacing around her neck and the delicate folds of her sleeves, highlights Rossetti’s attention to texture and form.
