Regina Cordium Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882)

The composition presents a woman centrally positioned against a dense backdrop of foliage and flowering vines. Her gaze is direct, unwavering, fixed on the viewer with an expression that appears both serene and melancholic. The palette is dominated by warm tones – golds, oranges, and reds – which imbue the scene with a sense of richness and opulence.
The woman’s hair, a cascade of fiery red-gold curls, frames her face and contributes to the overall impression of vibrant beauty. She wears a flowing garment of similar hues, its texture suggested through careful brushwork that captures both the drape of the fabric and the play of light upon it. A delicate necklace adorns her neck, featuring an intricate design reminiscent of natural forms.
In her hand, she holds a slender stem bearing a single rose blossom. The flower’s placement is significant; its pale pink hue contrasts with the surrounding warmth, drawing attention to its fragility and perhaps symbolizing vulnerability or lost innocence.
The background reveals a complex arrangement of botanical elements – roses, vines, and leaves – rendered in meticulous detail. These plants intertwine, creating a sense of enclosure and suggesting a connection between the woman and the natural world. A Latin inscription is visible at the lower center of the painting, adding another layer of meaning to the work.
Subtleties within the image suggest themes of beauty, sorrow, and perhaps even confinement. The woman’s direct gaze could be interpreted as an invitation or a challenge, while her melancholic expression hints at underlying sadness or regret. The abundance of floral imagery evokes associations with love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time. The dense foliage surrounding her might symbolize both protection and restriction, implying that she is both cherished and held back from something beyond her reach. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of quiet introspection and profound emotional depth.