SIMEON SOLOMON | Dante

Christie's, London, 1 December 1989, lot 1088, where purchased by Seymour Stein

This drawing is in very good original condition. The paper is flat and there are no signs of staining or foxing and no visible tears or creases. FRAME The drawing is contained in a simple black-painted frame with a gilt inset and under glass.
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This drawing is very similar to Solomon's portrait of the artist Giotto di Bondone (Christie's, London, 11 July 2017, lot 38) which is likewise inscribed with the cities to which he was most associated. Dante was particularly associated with Rossetti's circle of friends and although their close friendship had been severed by Solomon's retraction from society, the influence of Rossetti's subject-matter and style on Solomon's work was long-lasting. This drawing has a particularly melancholic intensity with the poet shown deep in brooding contemplation. The likeness of the poet seems to have been based upon Sandro Botticelli's portrait of 1495 in which he wears the same cowl garlanded with olive leaves and a high-necked coat.