The artwork, titled “The Return of Tibullus to Delia study for Delia,” is a pen drawing created by the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti around the year 1853. This piece is part of the Romanticism art movement and can be classified under the genre of sketches and studies. With dimensions measuring 32.2 by 41 centimeters, it is housed in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery located in Birmingham, UK.
The artwork depicts a serene figure, presumably Delia, with an expression of calm contemplation. The drawing is executed with delicate lines that capture the softness and tranquility of the subject’s features. The subject holds a slender object near her lips, eyes closed, evoking a sense of introspection or longing. The subtle shading and gentle strokes contribute to the overall ethereal quality of the piece. The composition is uniquely framed, with one side of the artwork cut at an angle, adding an element of visual interest. The piece is a study, suggesting preparation and exploration for a larger or more detailed work, showcasing Rossetti’s meticulous approach to his art.