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Fanny Cornforth (née Sarah Cox)

(1835-circa 1909), Artists' model and intimate companion of Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Sitter in 1 portrait
Pre-Raphaelite artists' model cast predominantly as the 'fallen woman' by painters Dante Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones and John Stanhope. According to her recollection, Rossetti encountered her one evening and flicked her hair with his finger 'Then made all sorts of apologies, and nothing would do but that I should go to his studio and sit for him'. Cornforth's life was punctuated by an unrequited relationship with Rossetti who never introduced her to his family, eventually abandoning their relationship and financial support. Banished from attending his funeral, she used her life savings to lease a tavern in London with her husband. After his death she gradually sold artworks and memorabilia to collectors.

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Fanny Cornforth (née Sarah Cox) ('Lady Lilith'), published by The Medici Society Ltd, after Dante Gabriel Rossetti - NPG D37339

Fanny Cornforth (née Sarah Cox) ('Lady Lilith')

published by The Medici Society Ltd, after Dante Gabriel Rossetti
chromolithograph, published 1908 (1867)
NPG D37339

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