Golden head by golden head, for "The Goblin Market"

Golden head by golden head, for "The Goblin Market" is a preparatory drawing created by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1861. Executed meticulously in pen and black ink over initial graphite sketching, this work was designed to illustrate the eponymous poem written by his sister, Christina Rossetti. This drawing captures the crucial moment of sisterly solace and intimacy central to the narrative, visualized through the figures of Laura and Lizzie.

Rossetti, a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, used the medium of drawing to develop the intense, detailed compositions characteristic of the movement. The piece depicts two sleeping women nestled closely together, their idealized forms symbolizing purity and protective sisterly affection. The title phrase, drawn directly from the poem, emphasizes the unity and identical features of the two figures. Rossetti’s technique here is notable for the dense, interwoven ink lines used to render the texture of the hair, achieving a stylized yet delicate quality that contrasts with the simple, tranquil posture of the subjects.

This important illustration provides insight into the creative collaboration between the Rossetti siblings, highlighting the artist’s commitment to interpreting detailed literary narratives visually. Although the final illustrations for the 1862 publication of The Goblin Market were translated into wood engravings, this initial drawing showcases the intended emotional weight and linear elegance of the composition. The work is classified as a drawing and remains a key element in the collection of nineteenth-century British art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to its historical significance and age, high-resolution images and prints of this masterwork are often found in the public domain.