The Mandolin

James Smetham (English, 1821-1881) - The Mandolin, 1866 (Oil on canvas) - - The Mandolin is signed by Smetham and may be considered his masterpiece. However, in conception it bears all the hallmarks of Smetham’s friend and supporter, Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The half-length female figure presented close to the picture plane and lacking background perspective, richly attired and mesmeric in beauty, characterised Rossetti’s oeuvre at this date. The model is Ellen Smith who sat for Rossetti in 1867.