The Eve of St Agnes

Elizabeth Siddal (1829 - 1862)

Wightwick Manor

circa 1850

St Agnes' Eve, the night before the saint's feast day on 21 January, was traditionally a time when young women might dream successfully of the perfect lover provided they slept naked as did the original martyr saint. Siddal is inspired by Tennyson's version of the legend which describes a nun yearning to meet her heavenly 'bridegroom'.

• Medium: gouache
• Dimensions: 16.5 x 12cm
• Art Fund Grant: £5000 ( Total: £5,000)
• ArtFunded in: 1997
• Vendor: Edward Dennis

Provenance

Owned by Christina Rossetti; then on her death by descent from Dante Gabriel's brother, William Rossetti.

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