“The Women of the Flame,” created by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1870, is an allegorical painting rendered in chalk. Measuring 75.3 x 100.7 cm, this artwork belongs to the Romanticism movement. The piece portrays an expressive fusion of artistry and symbolism, characteristic of Rossetti’s distinctive style.
In the artwork, a woman with flowing dark hair is depicted amidst a spectral ambiance. She is seated with a contemplative expression, her gaze directed toward a flame emanating from her fingertips. The ethereal fire, intricately detailed, appears almost alive as it dances above her hand. The woman’s clothing, rendered in warm, golden hues, mirrors the fiery tones, creating a sense of harmony and fluidity throughout the composition. The background subtly fades, ensuring the viewer’s focus remains on the woman and the flame, thus intensifying the allegorical essence of the painting.
