Virginia Surtees' Rossetti collection to appear at Christie's in June

One of the greatest scholars on the work of pre-Raphaelite Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Virginia Surtees, is to sell her private collection at Christie's Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite and British Impressionist Art auction on June 17 in London.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti The Triple Rose Rosa Triplex May Morris
Rossetti had a close relationship with the Morris family, later having an affair with Jane Morris despite being good friends with William



The collection is one of the finest ever brought to auction, and will be led by a triple portrait of the daughter of William and Jane Morris, May Morris, entitled Rosa Triplex or The Triple Rose.

Surtees, the author of Rossetti's definitive catalogue raisonne, bought the work for just £285 in 1951. It's now valued at £700,000-1m ($1.1m-1.6m).

"Virginia Surtees is one of the most important experts associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement," commented Christie's Harriet Drummond.

"At the age of 97, she felt this was the time to let others share the pleasure that she has had over the years as the custodian of these wonderful works of art."

Paul Fraser Collectibles' free newsletter keeps you ahead of the latest from the collecting world - sign up today.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock