Look Closer

The Real Ophelia

Discover the fascinating story behind this celebrated painting

Elizabeth Siddal is known as the model posing in Millais's painting of Ophelia. But there is much more to learn about this story. Here we explore her life as an artist and poet, her influence on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the challenges she faced living within Victorian society.

You can also see all of the surviving paintings, major drawings and watercolours by Elizabeth Siddal for the first time in The Rossettis exhibition at Tate Britain, 6 April – 24 September 2023.

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