Elizabeth Siddal: Her Story

Elizabeth Siddal, a Pre-Raphaelite supermodel and muse of Gabriel Rossetti, is presented as an aspirational and independent woman who knew what she wanted and was not afraid to let it be known. Jan Marsh reclaims Siddal's narrative from the historical record, exploring her four months at art school in Sheffield and her difficult and ungrateful nature. She forces us to take a closer look and see a different picture of Siddal, a woman with a strong mind, flourishing career, and admirable talent.

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Pallas Athene Publishers

Elizabeth Siddal, the renowned Pre-Raphaelite supermodel and muse of Gabriel Rossetti, is often portrayed as a tragic heroine, reminiscent of the Ophelia she modeled in the famous Millais painting. However, Jan Marsh's book titled "Elizabeth Siddal: Her Story" challenges this notion. Through extraordinary stories and previously undiscovered details of Siddal's journeys across the UK and to the south of France, Marsh reclaims Siddal's narrative from the historical record. She sheds new light on the post-natal mental trauma Elizabeth suffered after a stillbirth and explores the lesser-known aspects of her life, such as her four months at an art school in Sheffield, which Rossetti's brother denied.

What is particularly striking about Marsh's portrayal is her recognition of Siddal's strength and agency as a woman. She challenges the notion that Siddal was passive or lacking in self-determination. Instead, Marsh presents Siddal as a woman with a strong mind, a flourishing career, and an admirable talent. She highlights Siddal's contributions to the Pre-Raphaelite movement, her role as a model for Rossetti's paintings, and her influence on his artistic vision.

In addition to challenging the historical narrative, Marsh's book offers a fresh perspective on Siddal's life. She delves into the details of her relationships with Rossetti and other artists of the time, including John Everett Millais and William Holman Hunt. Marsh sheds light on the complexities of their relationships, including the power dynamics and the challenges they faced as artists and individuals.

Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Jan Marsh has breathed new life into Elizabeth Siddal's story. She has forced us to take a closer look and see a very different picture of this remarkable woman. "Elizabeth Siddal: Her Story" is a valuable addition to the literature on Pre-Raphaelite art and women's history, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of women artists and activists.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 189 x 170 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843682318