Rosetti's Beata Beatrix is the print that hangs over my desk at work.  It
draws many comments.

The sundial does play a prominent role in the work - not only visually but
also symbolically.  If you look closely at the numbers you'll see that they
are not arranged correctly.  They are twisted around so that the shadow
falls on 9 - which has something to do with the time Elizabeth actually
died.  If I recall correctly (since I'm not at work right now), the 9 is
where noon should be.  Commentators on the work have also suggested that
the gnomon is supposed to have some phallic symbolism - directed at
Elizabeth of course.

Reply via email to