Finestra 

Finestra, by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, invites us into a world framed by the artistic and social ideals of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Rossetti, deeply influenced by Romanticism, sought to revive the sincerity and simplicity of pre-Renaissance art. The sitter, framed by a window, encapsulates the Victorian fascination with beauty, nature, and the inner emotional life. Note how Rossetti subverts the traditional male gaze, presenting a female figure who possesses a sense of self-possession. She doesn't overtly appeal to the viewer, but rather seems to exist in a space of thoughtful contemplation. The woman’s rich auburn hair and the sensual folds of her golden gown emphasize her vitality, yet there's a melancholic expression in her eyes. Through Finestra, Rossetti gives us a glimpse into a complex emotional landscape. It prompts us to reflect on the representation of women in art and the ongoing dialogue between outward appearance and inner experience.