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Poet: Christina Rossetti
Poem: In An Artist's Studio
Volume: Poems
Year: Published/Written in 1890
Comment 7 of 7, added on May 12th, 2009 at 7:20 PM.
I agree with most of what is being said in this page. I just wanted to add, that is it possible that perhaps CR was making a multi-tier commentary about women's objectification by the male gaze. Firstly, there is the critique of the unnamed artist and his infatuation with his unnamed subject - which forms the context of the poem. Then there is the general critique of all men - especially during the Victorian times - and their fascination and preoccupation with over-idealized beauty: "...every canvas means / The same one thing, neither more nor less." That is, not only were all the paintings by artist the same and of the same woman; but also possibly that all other paintings of women done by men in Victorian England of the same nature showing a preoccupation with idealized beauty. And lastly, yes I do believe CR was critiquing her brother Dante G Rossetti as well, for having been so in love with Siddal. She was said to be a feminist, a cynic, and suffering from depression, so it makes sense that she should not understand and critique her own brilliant brother for falling into these 'baser' emotions of (over-zealous) love.
Rayana from United States
Comment 6 of 7, added on December 4th, 2008 at 2:58 AM.
I don't have much time now, for otherwise I would have submitted a more comprehensive analysis. I'd just like to point out something which I find absent in the posts. This poem has a fairly strong feminist message. In fact, Ch. Rossetti was critical of the 'male gaze', so to speak, and this poem is, among other things, a criticism of that chauvinistic approach of the painter who objectifies women. I know this sounds incomplete, and that's because it is.
Sujaan from India
Comment 5 of 7, added on November 16th, 2008 at 7:24 AM.
I believe that this is about Christina's brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti. His wife committed suicide due to an overdose. So this could be about how he dealt with the aftermath of her death.
Adam Scott from United Kingdom
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I agree with most of what is being said in this page. I just wanted to add, that is it possible that perhaps CR was making a multi-tier commentary about women's objectification by the male gaze. Firstly, there is the critique of the unnamed artist and his infatuation with his unnamed subject - which forms the context of the poem. Then there is the general critique of all men - especially during the Victorian times - and their fascination and preoccupation with over-idealized beauty: "...every canvas means / The same one thing, neither more nor less." That is, not only were all the paintings by artist the same and of the same woman; but also possibly that all other paintings of women done by men in Victorian England of the same nature showing a preoccupation with idealized beauty. And lastly, yes I do believe CR was critiquing her brother Dante G Rossetti as well, for having been so in love with Siddal. She was said to be a feminist, a cynic, and suffering from depression, so it makes sense that she should not understand and critique her own brilliant brother for falling into these 'baser' emotions of (over-zealous) love.
Rayana from United States