The artwork, “Alexa Wilding,” created by the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1877, is a remarkable portrait rendered in chalk. Belonging to the Romanticism art movement, the artwork measures 84.46 by 59.06 centimeters. This portrait exemplifies the genre’s focus on emotion and beauty, characteristic of Rossetti’s oeuvre.
The artwork depicts a young woman, Alexa Wilding, with long, flowing hair, seated and gazing directly at the viewer. Her serene expression and the delicate rendering of her features in chalk highlight the Romantic emphasis on idealized beauty and deep emotion. The subject’s softly rendered hair and the gentle folds of her attire exude a quiet elegance. The subtle use of shading creates a sense of depth and adds to the lifelike quality of the portrait. The simplicity of the background ensures that the viewer’s focus remains on the figure, drawing attention to her introspective and soulful demeanor.
