Christina Rossetti - the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and Literary Success

Rossetti Context Slides - Pre-Raphaelite Movement, Rossetti's Pre-Raphaelite Literature and Literary Success

When was the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood founded?

In 1848.

Who founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood?

Rossetti’s brothers, Dante and William, along with a few other men.

Why was the group created?

They rejected the traditional style of art practised by the Royal Academy of Arts and founded on the Italian Renaissance painter Raphael. Believing it to be too artificial and formulaic, they helped to popularise the notion of ‘art for art’s sake’.

What was the Brotherhood concerned with?

Representing nature truthfully and incorporating tiny details into their paintings. Often, the Pre-Raphaelites used their art to convey particular meanings which they anticipated would be ‘read' by observers who carefully noted the details of each picture. They used symbolism for this purpose.  For example, in Dante’s painting, ‘Girlhood of Mary, Virgin', he includes lilies to represent her purity and innocence.

What was the Pre-Raphaelite Movement seen as a precursor to?

The European movement of Symbolism, which emerged in the late 19th century and blossomed in the early 20th century.

How did the Brotherhood influence Rossetti?

Her poems became a literary representation of its ideals. While abundantly rich in natural detail, her poetry strives for clarity in meaning through its relatively simple rhyme schemes and language. Like the Pre-Raphaelites, she draws from literary sources of the past.

How did Rossetti take inspiration from the Brotherhood’s use of symbols?

She practiced word-painting in her poetry, where a word or combination of words can conjure up a strong, clear image. She draws her use of symbols from the medieval period.

How old was Rossetti when she was writing for the Pre-Raphaelite journal?

She was 19 and beginning to establish her literary reputation.

What was the Pre-Raphaelite journal called?

The Germ.

What pseudonym did Christina use when she first began writing.

Ellen Alleyn, created by her brother, Dante Gabriel.

Why did Christina use a pseudonym at the beginning of her career?

To give her the anonymity and protection she desired.

When was Christina’s first volume, Goblin Market and Other Poems, published?

1862.

How was the volume designed?

It was illustrated by her brother, Dante Gabriel, and was divided into two sections - non-devotional and devotional poetry.

What were some of the other poems published in Goblin Market and Other Poems?

A Birthday, Up-Hill, The Convent Threshold, Cousin Kate and Maude Clare.

Was Goblin Market and Other Poems successful?

Yes - the collection secured her reputation and her literary success grew rapidly as a result; her books of poetry and prose went through several editions in quick succession.