Venus Verticordia (Rossetti)

Venus Verticordia is the title of a painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, completed in 1864-1868. The title translates from Latin as "Venus the Turner of Hearts," or "Venus who turns hearts." It refers to Venus in her aspect as a moral guardian, able to turn hearts towards virtue and away from vice. This conception of Venus is derived from medieval interpretations of classical mythology.

The painting depicts a red-haired woman, typically regarded as a representation of Venus, surrounded by symbols associated with love and beauty, but also moral warning. She holds a golden apple (a reference to the Judgement of Paris) and an arrow, representing the power of love. Honeysuckle, representing desire, surrounds her head. The roses and pansies symbolize love and remembrance, respectively. The halo around her head is not necessarily religious, but reinforces the idealized nature of the figure.

Rossetti often used Jane Morris as a model for his depictions of idealized female beauty, but the model for Venus Verticordia was Alexa Wilding.

The painting reflects a characteristic Pre-Raphaelite interest in both aesthetic beauty and moral and symbolic content. It explores themes of love, beauty, and the potential for moral transformation. It's considered one of Rossetti's more mature works, showcasing his command of color and symbolic detail.