A Sea-Spell Value Guide

A Sea-Spell by Dante Gabriel Rossetti: Buy fine art print
A Sea-Spell
Estimated Value
$115 – $125
Period
1877
Origin
United Kingdom
Materials
Canvas, oil paint, wood, plaster, gold leaf
Category
A sea-spell

Originally commissioned by Frederick Richards Leyland in 1877, A Sea-Spell is a quintessential Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece featuring Rossetti's favorite muse, Alexa Wilding. This evocative work depicts a siren adorned with a floral wreath playing a lute, a subject that remains highly sought after by collectors of Victorian-era aestheticism.

What Is A Sea-Spell Worth?

The typical price range for A Sea-Spell is $115 - $125 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The quality and condition of the gold leaf application on the wooden and plaster frame.
  • The fidelity of the reproduction to Rossetti's specific color palette and the intricate details of the lute.
  • Overall canvas condition, including the absence of cracking, fading, or surface abrasions.
  • The provenance of the reproduction and whether it was produced by a noted fine art printmaker or studio.

How to Identify A Sea-Spell?

  • Verify the subject matter features Alexa Wilding as a siren playing a lute surrounded by a dense floral wreath.
  • Check for high-quality canvas texture and oil paint application consistent with premium 19th-century style reproductions.
  • Examine the frame for traditional Victorian materials including wood, plaster, and genuine or high-grade gold leaf gilding.
  • Look for references to the 1877 original, which is currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums collection.

History of A Sea-Spell

Originally painted in 1877, this piece was commissioned by Frederick Richards Leyland. It depicts a siren in a floral wreath, luring sailors with her music. The model was Alexa Wilding, one of Rossetti's favorite muses. The original masterpiece currently resides in the Harvard Art Museums.

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