Few artists have been subjected to more myth-making and misconceptions than Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882). Tales about his role as a founder of the pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and about his romantic involvements have often overshadowed his achievements as a painter in oils and watercolours. The aim of this study is to restore the artist to his rightful place as one of Victorian England's most engaging painters. It describes his life and work and attempts to re-establish Rossetti as a major force in British art.