The Virtual Coffeehouse

I tend to see that Rossetti approaches the idea of spirituality from the perspective of a painter. Historically, scenes from the Bible, angels, etc are popular artistic subjects because spiritual/ God-like scenes should be the height of beauty. So when Rossetti talks about these things, I can picture him writing much in the way that he would paint those same things. His lines don't seem natural so much as an attempt to really depict the visual in the words. "The Blessed Damozel" for example includes a painting he did depicting one of the scenes, almost as if it were natural to him to supplement his lines with a painting. Hopkins on the other hand seems like a simpler man who is really awed and inspired by God's wonders. His poems seem much less studied, and more the lines of a man who truly believes that God is present in everything and revels in it. I think the lines flow more freely and he is content to use only his words as the highest form of expression.

I don't know if that made any sense at all.

Yes Amanda Senft it made wonderful sense and I completely agree.

When you are an artist, your work becomes second nature to you. As a painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti would always fall back on his background as a painter to present things. Therefore, in his writing we see similar aspects between a painting and the formation of his texts. His words seem to paint a picture rather than simply make a statement.

Sarah took the words right out of my mouth! I completely agree about the similarity between Rossetti's writing as well as his paintings..and the fact that his words really help to paint a picture in one's mind!