Fair Rosamond Alone in Her Bower (c.1853). William Bell Scott(British, 1811-1890). Oil on canvas. Ke
Fair Rosamond Alone in Her Bower (c.1853). William Bell Scott(British, 1811-1890). Oil on canvas. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The medieval subject matter, intense detailing, bright jewel-like colours and rather flat, angular figure in this painting are typical of the work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in the early 1850s. Fair Rosamund was the mistress of Henry II. She was kept in secret bower in Woodstock only reachable by following a scarlet thread. Scott took great care to minutely record natural detail and historical costume, and packed the painting with symbolism suggesting the fate of poor Rosamund who is eventually found by Queen Eleanor and poisoned. The musical instrument alludes to love; the hour glass suggests that time is running out; the broken branch is suggestive of violence; and the collared dove chased by a kestrel points to her ensnarement. -- source link
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