Mirrors Of The Soul: Reflections Of Sexual Identity In Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s ‘Hand And Soul’ And Woman Combing Her Hair, Travis Piper

As an artist and man Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828–1882) was mesmerized by women, focusing consistently on female images and identity throughout his career. The unique visages of his muses, models, and lovers can be found throughout his painting and poetry. The following article will consider two distinct pieces from Rossetti’s oeuvre which exemplify his foundational interest in sexual identity and desire. His 1849 short story ‘Hand and Soul’ shall be shown to have informed the composition of his 1864 watercolor Woman combing her hair as an act of narcissism.