Henry Treffry Dunn

Henry Treffry Dunn (1838–1899) was Dante Gabriel Rossetti's assistant and a painter in his own right. Dunn's memoirs are a valuable source for the lives of the Pre-Raphaelites. He was paid to be Rossetti's factotum and to create copies of Rossetti's paintings. It has been said that the painting Lady Lilith in the Metropolitan Museum of Art was actually painted by Dunn and only "touched up" by Rossetti. He took up the position of assistant to Rossetti at Cheyne Walk in 1867 The painter's brother William Rossetti described Dunn as having bright dark eyes and being prematurely grey.

Dunn's paintings include a version of Lady Lilith which is attributed to him. Dunn is thought to have later recreated this picture in coloured chalk based on Rossetti's version. Alexa or Alice Wilding was admired by Dunn although it not known if his feelings were returned. Dunn is reported to have only had a few women in his life and no long term attachments.

Dunn was not only an artist's assistant, but also a secretary and friend. It was Dunn who first arranged for Rossetti to get a bank account, as Rossetti would keep his money in a drawer where he, and others, could freely help themselves. When Rossetti died Dunn was very helpful to William Rossetti in his role as executor, though he considered Dunn to be an alcoholic. The three of them lived together at Watts-Dunton's house until Dunn died in 1899.

Dunn's recollections of Rossetti and his friends were later published.

Legacy Dunn's watercolours and his other paintings are in collections in Cornwall and other British galleries.

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