Beyond Ophelia
The True Legacy of Elizabeth Eleanor Rossetti
Published on 18. February 2025
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-1-916846-77-7 (ISBN)
Description
Better known as 'Lizzie Siddal', the model who posed for John Everett Millais's painting Ophelia, Elizabeth Eleanor Rossetti is now finally recognised as a Pre-Raphaelite artist in her own right, working alongside her male colleagues on equal terms.
Elizabeth's designs were truly original, the creation of her own imagination. They embodied the essence of Pre-Raphaelitism that her husband Gabriel and other members of the circle were striving to achieve. The male members of the group shamelessly copied the ideas from Elizabeth's small sketches to create their own large masterpieces which have since become the epitome of Pre-Raphaelite art.
The exclusion of women from the narrative has had a major impact in creating the perception of the Pre-Raphaelites as a predominantly male artistic movement; in Beyond Ophelia Dr Glenda Youde shows Elizabeth not as a pathetic drowning figure, but as the initiator of a directional change in the visual development of Pre-Raphaelite art. Featuring a unique collection of photographs of Elizabeth's work commissioned by her husband after her death, this book highlights the critical importance of her role within the Pre-Raphaelite circle, and one which ultimately led to the evolution of the Aesthetic Movement.
Elizabeth's designs were truly original, the creation of her own imagination. They embodied the essence of Pre-Raphaelitism that her husband Gabriel and other members of the circle were striving to achieve. The male members of the group shamelessly copied the ideas from Elizabeth's small sketches to create their own large masterpieces which have since become the epitome of Pre-Raphaelite art.
The exclusion of women from the narrative has had a major impact in creating the perception of the Pre-Raphaelites as a predominantly male artistic movement; in Beyond Ophelia Dr Glenda Youde shows Elizabeth not as a pathetic drowning figure, but as the initiator of a directional change in the visual development of Pre-Raphaelite art. Featuring a unique collection of photographs of Elizabeth's work commissioned by her husband after her death, this book highlights the critical importance of her role within the Pre-Raphaelite circle, and one which ultimately led to the evolution of the Aesthetic Movement.
Reviews / Votes
Expertly researched and beautifully presented, this easily readable account dispels the tragic portrayal of one of the most mythicised women in art history. Youde draws together much of the work that has been done by feminist art historians over the past four decades and presents it in an engaging account, ensuring Siddal's life and work as a poet and an artist is celebrated. Youde expands from biography to offer insightful interpretation of Siddal's themes, subjects and unique style as an artist. This book marks the next chapter in Pre-Raphaelite studies, where women are respected as active agents of creativity, not simpering 'stunners' adored by the Brotherhood.Sarah Hardy Director, De Morgan Museum
Glenda Youde lifts Miss Siddal from the bathtub and hat shop and reveals an artist of potential, a poet of depth and a woman who reached beyond the part she was assigned. There has never been a better time or more perfect book to look beyond Ophelia to a Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece who defined the shimmering era.
Kirsty Stonell-Walker, Historian and author, Stunner: The Fall and Rise of Fanny Cornforth
Truth is stranger than fiction. A female artist's imagination so powerful it influenced the members of the newly founded Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. At last the real story.
Patricia O'Connor, Life Chair of the Pre-Raphaelite Society
A thorough and engaging study of Elizabeth Siddal's life and significance as an artist. This book demonstrates why Siddal is so important to Pre-Raphaelitism.
?Dr Serena Trowbridge
'Differencing the Canon' requires probing research and careful analysis like this. Glenda Youde's book recreates the artist Elizabeth Eleanor Rossetti by dismantling the mythic image of the beautifully silent and tragically suicidal model 'Lizzie Sidall' through this finely drawn portrait of the work and influence of an artist who was a co-creator of Pre-Raphaelite art.
Griselda Pollock, University of Leeds
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 245 mm
Width: 199 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
1004 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-916846-77-7 (9781916846777)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2025
Unicorn
€36.00
Available for download
Person
Dr Glenda Youde discovered her passion for art while studying with the Open University. She is now an art historian, author and researcher affiliated to the University of York, where she received her doctorate in 2022. Her current research focuses on the neglected females within the Pre-Raphaelite circle, particularly the work of Elizabeth Eleanor Rossetti. Born and raised in the Sussex Weald, Glenda now lives in Derbyshire.