A newly discovered 1877 chalk portrait of the poet Christina Rossetti by her brother, the Pre-Raphaelite master Dante Gabriel Rossetti, has been unveiled at Wightwick Manor. The drawing, recently acquired by the National Trust, serves as the centerpiece for the exhibition "The Rossettis – Siblings and Spouses." Created during a period of shared family mourning following the death of their sister Maria, the work departs from Rossetti’s typical idealized style to offer a somber, realistic depiction of grief and resilience.
The exhibition is significant for its deep dive into the collaborative dynamics of one of Victorian Britain’s most influential creative families. By showcasing the portrait alongside works by Elizabeth Siddal and Lucy Madox Brown, the show recontextualizes the Rossetti circle beyond the famous brothers, highlighting the artistic contributions of the women in their orbit and the personal tragedies that shaped their collective output.