Found

"Found" an unfinished oil painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, is currently housed in the Delaware Art Museum. This piece is celebrated as one of Rossetti's most significant works, addressing a contemporary moral issue: urban prostitution. Although Rossetti did not complete the painting before his death in 1882, he revisited it several times from the mid-1850s until shortly before his passing.

What makes "Found" particularly noteworthy is that it is Rossetti's only oil painting centered on a modern theme, diverging sharply from his usual medieval and Renaissance-inspired works of the 1850s. The inspiration for this painting stemmed from Rossetti's ongoing engagement with the topic of prostitution, which he had previously explored in his letters and other artworks.

The painting's composition features a calf, a cart, and a female figure, each symbolizing themes of innocence, fate, and salvation. Rossetti's meticulous portrayal of these elements and the interaction between the characters reflect his profound contemplation on the subject.

Several studies and preparatory sketches for "Found" have survived, providing insight into Rossetti's creative process and how the painting evolved over time. The artwork's provenance includes commissions from various patrons, with the final version being acquired by Samuel Bancroft, who later donated it to the Delaware Art Museum.

"Found" has been exhibited in numerous locations, including London, Philadelphia, and New York, emphasizing its significance within the Pre-Raphaelite art movement. Its poignant depiction of the human condition and its commentary on societal issues make it a pivotal piece in Rossetti's oeuvre.