Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828–1882), a key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, was a British poet, painter, and founding member of a movement that sought to revitalise art by rejecting academic conventions. Born on May 12, 1828, in London, Rossetti displayed early artistic talent and a passion for literature.

Rossetti's artistic journey began when he entered the Royal Academy of Arts in 1845, but disillusionment with academic traditions led him to join forces with like-minded artists, including John Everett Millais and William Holman Hunt, to form the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848. This group aimed to return to the sincerity and detailed techniques of early Italian art, particularly that of the pre-Raphaelite period.

As a painter, Rossetti became renowned for his vivid and highly detailed works, often featuring medieval themes, vibrant colours, and meticulous attention to symbolism. His notable paintings include "Beata Beatrix," inspired by Dante Alighieri's "La Vita Nuova" and dedicated to his deceased wife Elizabeth Siddal, and "Lady Lilith," depicting a femme fatale surrounded by lush, exotic flowers.

Beyond his contributions to visual arts, Rossetti was a prolific poet, producing works that reflected his fascination with medieval themes, symbolism, and the emotional complexities of love. His collection "Goblin Market and Other Poems" (1862) showcased his poetic prowess and became a significant influence on later poets like W.B. Yeats and the Symbolists.

Rossetti's personal life was marked by intense romantic relationships, most notably with Elizabeth Siddal, who also served as his muse. Tragically, Siddal's death in 1862 deeply impacted Rossetti, influencing the themes of death and melancholy in his later works.

In the later years of his career, Rossetti's health and mental well-being declined. His artistic output decreased, and he struggled with the demands of fame and his personal demons. Dante Gabriel Rossetti passed away on April 9, 1882, leaving behind a legacy as a central figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement and a complex artist who merged poetry and painting to create works of lasting impact. His influence extended beyond his own era, shaping the trajectory of British art and literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.