The Other Side: Themes of Swedenborgian-spiritualism in Dante Gabriel Rossetti's The Blessed Damozel by Rosanna Hayes

This article will explore two expressions of Swedenborgian-Spiritualism in Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s painting The Blessed Damozel and the poem of the same title. This will elucidate how the expression of these notions is in tune with previous scholarship by D. M. R. Bentley suggesting that the Damozel is a fantasy for the character of the lover, and subsequently, probably for Rossetti himself. The two ideas explored will be the retention of human form after death, and communication or spiritual presence between married partners after death separates them and one remains living.