Veronica Veronese is a Venetian-inspired oil painting from 1872, created by British artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The painting features Alexa Wilding as the model, and was intended to be a companion piece to “Lady Lilith”. It represents Rossetti’s artistic output during the 1860s and 1870s where he drew inspiration from Venice.
In “Veronica Veronese”, Rossetti depicts an allegory for the creation of art. The painting showcases a beautiful young woman sitting in front of a window with sunlight pouring in around her as she creates art. The elaborate turquoise dress worn by Veronica is one of the most notable things when observing this artwork. Her golden hair sits atop her head like an intricate crown tied up with ribbons that drape down the back of her neck. The background shows several dozen flowers including lilies, roses and poppies.
The painting was sold to Frederick Richards Leyland, one of Rossetti’s best clients who was a shipping magnate by trade, it is now housed in Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington. Overall, “Veronica Veronese” remains one of Rossetti’s greatest masterpieces as it showcases his vision for art and talent in creating engaging works that have stood the test of time.”
