William Michael Rossetti Paintings

William Michael Rossetti was a British writer, critic, and editor who is best known for his association with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, of which he was a founding member. Born on September 25, 1829, in London, England, he was the brother of the famous poet Christina Rossetti and the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, also a central figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement. William Michael Rossetti was not a painter like his brother, but he played a significant role in the literary and critical aspects of the movement.

Rossetti was educated at King's College School in London and later worked at the Excise Office of the British government, a position that allowed him the time to pursue his literary interests. He contributed to the short-lived Pre-Raphaelite journal 'The Germ,' which published poetry, criticism, and essays promoting the ideals of the Brotherhood. His own contributions often included criticism and commentary on art and literature.

Throughout his life, Rossetti was an active writer and editor. He edited the works of his sister Christina after her death, and he was responsible for editing and publishing the first complete edition of the poems of John Keats. Rossetti's interest in art history led him to publish 'Anecdotes of the Fine Arts' in 1859 and several other works on artists and art criticism. His extensive knowledge made him an influential figure in Victorian art circles.

In addition to his work in art criticism, Rossetti was a prolific biographer and published biographies of significant cultural figures of his time, including his brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti. His memoirs provide valuable insights into the lives and thoughts of the Pre-Raphaelites and their contemporaries. William Michael Rossetti was also known for his work in compiling anthologies of English poetry, which helped to define the canon of English literature in the Victorian era.

Rossetti married Lucy Madox Brown, daughter of the painter Ford Madox Brown, another figure associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement. They had a family, and his personal life was intertwined with the artistic and intellectual milieu of the time. William Michael Rossetti lived through the entirety of the Victorian era, witnessing and contributing to the vast cultural changes of the period. He passed away on February 5, 1919. His legacy is one of a dedicated scholar and a key figure within the Pre-Raphaelite circle, influencing both the visual and literary arts of the 19th century.