Elizabeth Siddal, English poet and model (b. 1829)

Elizabeth Eleanor Siddall (25 July 1829 – 11 February 1862), widely recognized as Elizabeth Siddal, was a truly remarkable and multifaceted figure of the Victorian era. An English artist, poet, and an iconic model for the influential Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, her tragically brief life left an indelible mark on art history and literature, deeply intertwining her destiny with one of Britain's most distinctive artistic movements.

Siddal's entry into the art world was serendipitous. Born in London, her background was modest; she worked long hours as a milliner in a bonnet shop. Her striking appearance – characterized by her luxuriant red hair, pale complexion, and delicate features – captured the attention of artist Walter Deverell in 1849. Deverell, a foundational member of the burgeoning Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, introduced her to the radical art circle, thereby launching her unexpected career as a professional model and muse.

Her role as a muse quickly cemented her status as the quintessential Pre-Raphaelite ideal of feminine beauty and emotional intensity. She posed extensively for the Brotherhood’s leading figures. Among the prominent artists who immortalized her likeness were Walter Deverell, William Holman Hunt, and, most famously, John Everett Millais. Millais’s iconic 1852 oil painting, Ophelia, stands as a profound testament to Siddal's impact as a model. For this celebrated work, Siddal famously endured hours lying in a bathtub full of water, kept warm by lamps underneath, to accurately depict Shakespeare's tragic character from Hamlet. This arduous experience, which reportedly led to a severe cold and potentially pneumonia, tragically highlights the dedication – and sometimes hardship – faced by models of the period.

Crucially, beyond her celebrated status as a model, Siddal was a talented artist and poet in her own right, a fact often historically overshadowed. Encouraged and tutored primarily by her eventual husband, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, she developed a distinctive artistic style. Her drawings and watercolors, often characterized by melancholic introspection and delicate draftsmanship, explored themes of Arthurian legends, medieval narratives, and allegories of love and loss. These works, while resonating with the broader Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic, possess a unique personal voice. She publicly exhibited her artwork in 1857 at a Pre-Raphaelite exhibition in Russell Place, London, garnering critical praise from influential figures like the art critic John Ruskin, who subsequently became her patron, providing financial support for her artistic development.

Her poetic output, though relatively sparse, reveals a profound sensibility and emotional depth. Much like her visual art, her poems delve into themes of unrequited love, illness, death, and spiritual yearning, often with a raw emotional honesty that predates much of modern confessional poetry. Noteworthy examples include "A Year and a Day" and "Worn Out," which offer poignant glimpses into her inner world and the struggles she faced.

Siddal's personal and artistic relationship with Dante Gabriel Rossetti was central to her life and career, marked by complexity and passion. They met in 1849, and she swiftly became his primary model, muse, and, significantly, his artistic student. Their long engagement, punctuated by periods of separation and Rossetti's indecisiveness, culminated in their marriage in 1860. However, their union was tragically short-lived, deeply affected by her chronic ill health, depression, and a stillbirth. Elizabeth Siddal died on February 11, 1862, at the age of 32, from an overdose of laudanum. While officially ruled an accidental death, the circumstances have led to historical speculation about suicide, leaving Rossetti profoundly devastated.

Today, significant collections of Elizabeth Siddal's original artworks and drawings are accessible to the public, allowing for a deeper appreciation of her diverse talents. Notably, Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton, a National Trust property, houses a substantial and celebrated collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, including several compelling pieces by Siddal, which collectively reflect her pivotal place within the movement. Similarly, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford holds a significant number of her drawings and sketches, offering invaluable insight into her artistic talent and unique creative process. These vital collections enable contemporary audiences to understand and appreciate her contributions not merely as a model, but as a compelling artist in her own right, whose unique vision continues to captivate art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Siddal

Who was Elizabeth Siddal?

Elizabeth Siddal was a prominent English artist, poet, and the most iconic model for the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood during the mid-19th century. She is perhaps most famously known for posing as Ophelia in John Everett Millais's celebrated painting.

What was her role within the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood?

Siddal served as a central muse and model for many leading Pre-Raphaelite artists, embodying their ideal of feminine beauty and romantic melancholy. Crucially, she was also a talented artist and poet whose personal work aligned with and significantly contributed to the movement's aesthetic and thematic concerns.

Where can I view Elizabeth Siddal's artworks today?

Important collections of her original drawings and art can be found at Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton, managed by the National Trust, and at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford. These institutions offer excellent opportunities to see her creative output firsthand.

Was Elizabeth Siddal primarily a model, or was she an artist herself?

While widely known for her role as a model, Elizabeth Siddal was a significant artist and poet in her own right. She produced numerous distinctive drawings and watercolors and wrote poetry that gained recognition and patronage, notably from the influential art critic John Ruskin.

How did Elizabeth Siddal die?

Elizabeth Siddal died on February 11, 1862, at the young age of 32, from an overdose of laudanum. The cause was officially ruled accidental, though historical evidence, including her chronic ill health and depression, has led to ongoing speculation among historians about the possibility of suicide.