Alexa Wilding

Rossetti%2C Dante Gabriel - La Ghirlandata - 1871-1874

Alexa Wilding was a noted muse and model for the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of English painters, poets, and critics founded in 1848. Wilding is particularly associated with the work of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, one of the central figures of the Brotherhood, who depicted her in several of his paintings. Despite her significant presence in Rossetti's art, relatively little is known about her life, making her one of the more enigmatic figures associated with the Pre-Raphaelites.

Early Life

The details of Alexa Wilding's early life are sparse. She was born in the mid-19th century, likely in London. Wilding came from a modest background and was working as a dressmaker before she became involved with the Pre-Raphaelite circle.

Association with Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Wilding's association with Dante Gabriel Rossetti began around 1865 when Rossetti reportedly spotted her on the street and was struck by her beauty. He asked her to model for him, and she agreed, becoming one of his favorite models. Wilding's features can be seen in several of Rossetti's works, including "Monna Vanna" (1866) and "The Blessed Damozel" (1871-1878). Unlike many of Rossetti's models and muses, there is no evidence to suggest that Wilding and Rossetti had a romantic relationship. Instead, their relationship appears to have been strictly professional.

Legacy

Alexa Wilding's legacy is primarily tied to her representation in Rossetti's paintings. She is considered one of the iconic faces of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, embodying the Brotherhood's ideals of beauty. Her life outside of her modeling work remains largely undocumented, contributing to the mystique surrounding her figure. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the lives of the muses and models who contributed to the Pre-Raphaelite movement, with Wilding being a subject of fascination due to her prominent role in Rossetti's art and her elusive biography.

In Popular Culture

Alexa Wilding's image and her association with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood have been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including literature and art. She represents the often overlooked but crucial role that muses and models played in the development of artistic movements and works.

See Also

• Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
• Dante Gabriel Rossetti
• Muse
• Victorian era