The artwork under review is titled “The Passover in the Holy Family Gathering Bitter Herbs,” created by Dante Gabriel Rossetti between 1855 and 1856. This religious painting, belonging to the Romanticism art movement, is rendered on paper and measures 43.18 x 40.64 cm. It is presently located in the Tate Modern, London, UK.
The artwork illustrates a biblical scene in an intimate, familial context. Central to the composition are several figures engaged in the preparation of bitter herbs, an essential element in the Passover tradition. The figures are detailed with a focus on their interactions and activities, contributing to the sacred and historical ambiance of the artwork. The piece is rich in symbolism, portraying a traditional scene with an evocative use of color and form that exemplifies Rossetti’s Romantic sensibilities. The delicate and thoughtful brushwork highlights the solemnity and reverence of the Passover ritual within the Holy Family.
