Henry Treffry Dunn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Henry Treffry Dunn
Detail from a pair of sketches by Rossetti
Born	1838 Truro, Cornwall, England
Died	1899
Nationality	British
Known for	assistant to Rossetti

Henry Treffry Dunn (1838–1899) was an artist who worked as an assistant to the famous painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Dunn was also a talented painter himself. His writings about his life are very helpful for understanding the lives of the Pre-Raphaelites, a group of artists who wanted to change art in England.

Dunn was paid to be Rossetti's "factotum," which means he was an all-around assistant who helped with many tasks. He also made copies of Rossetti's paintings. Some people even believe that a famous painting called Lady Lilith at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was mostly painted by Dunn, with Rossetti only adding a few finishing touches.

Later, Dunn left Rossetti's home because he wasn't being paid. After Rossetti passed away, Dunn finally received the money he was owed. He spent his final years living with the poets Algernon Charles Swinburne and Theodore Watts-Dunton.

About Henry Treffry Dunn

Early Life and Training

Rossetti and Theodore Watts-Dunton at 16 Cheyne Walk by Henry Treffry Dunn

Henry Treffry Dunn was born in 1838 in Truro, a town in Cornwall, England. His father was a tea merchant. Henry studied art at Heatherleys School of Fine Art in Chelsea.

Henry wasn't the only artist in his family. His sister, Edith Hume, who was born in 1843, also showed her paintings in exhibitions. Another one of his sisters became a music professor.

Working with Rossetti

In 1867, Dunn started working for Rossetti at his home in Cheyne Walk. He took over from Rossetti's previous assistant, Walter Knewstubb, who left to start his own art career. The American artist Walter Deverell had suggested Dunn for the job. Rossetti's brother, William Michael Rossetti, said that Dunn had bright dark eyes and hair that had turned grey early.

Dunn's paintings show the influence of Rossetti's style. He often made early sketches and copies for Rossetti's works. His own painting style was described as "more solid than graceful." Dunn said he got the job after successfully making a copy of one of Rossetti's paintings. Rossetti often used his assistants to create copies that he would then finish. Dunn once complained about having to make a third copy of the same painting!

Some people believe that Dunn painted a large part of some of Rossetti's famous works. Charles Fairfax Murray, who also became Rossetti's assistant later, claimed that the Lady Lilith painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was painted by Dunn and then "touched up" by Rossetti.

A version of Lady Lilith which is believed to be by Dunn.

The version of Lady Lilith in the Metropolitan Museum that some say was painted by Dunn.

Dunn also created his own paintings, including a version of Lady Lilith that is believed to be his work. He is thought to have later recreated this picture using colored chalk, based on Rossetti's original.

Dunn was more than just an art assistant; he was also a secretary and a friend to Rossetti. It was Dunn who helped Rossetti set up a bank account. Before that, Rossetti used to keep his money in a drawer, where anyone could take it freely.

Dunn worked for Rossetti for many years. However, they had a disagreement, and Rossetti stopped paying him. The argument continued until Dunn went back to his home in Cornwall in 1880. This left Rossetti's household in a mess. Rossetti then found a new companion, the author Hall Caine. The unpaid salary remained a problem until after Rossetti's death. Eventually, Dunn received a large sum of money that Rossetti's estate owed him.

Dunn lived with Watts-Dunton until he passed away in 1899. Dunn's memories of Rossetti and his friends were later published, giving us a valuable look into their lives.

Legacy

Henry Treffry Dunn's watercolor paintings and other artworks can be found in collections in Cornwall and other art galleries in Britain.

Gallery

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  Genevieve

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  Paolo and Francesca da Rimini

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  The Return of the Princess

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  The Skulls Brought to the King

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  The Wedding of Saint George

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  Jane Morris

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  How They Met Themselves

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  Faust and Margaret in Prison