“The Return Of Tibullus To Delia” is an artwork by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, created in 1868. This piece, executed on paper and measuring 57 x 47 cm, belongs to the Romanticism movement. It is a history painting and is currently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a poignant scene with rich details and vivid emotions. In the foreground, a woman in a flowing white garment appears to be in a state of serene repose, leaning against a chair while holding her cheek. At her feet, another woman, clad in a pinkish robe, is seated with a lyre resting on her lap, suggesting she may be a musician. The background is filled with symbolic objects such as a shield, a helmet, and a staff, adding historical and mythological significance to the scene. A man dressed in a red tunic with a white cloak is seen entering the space, leading another figure behind him, which may imply an event of reunion or return, consistent with the title. The overall atmosphere of the artwork exudes an aura of wistful nostalgia, characteristic of Rossetti’s Romanticism style.
