5.2 Major Pre-Raphaelite artists and their works

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood shook up the art world in 1848. Rossetti, Millais, and Hunt rejected stuffy academic styles, aiming for the sincerity of pre-Renaissance art. They used bright colors, focused on details, and drew inspiration from literature and nature.

These artists left a lasting mark on 19th-century art. Rossetti's sensual paintings, Millais' evolution to mainstream success, and Hunt's unwavering commitment to their principles shaped the movement. Their work influenced later artists and challenged traditional artistic norms.

Prominent Pre-Raphaelite Artists

Founding Members and Their Rejection of Academic Style

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• Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848
  • Rejected the academic style promoted by the Royal Academy
  • Sought to revive the sincerity and simplicity of pre-Renaissance art
  • Emphasized direct observation, bright colors, and attention to detail

Rossetti's Distinctive Style and Muses

• Rossetti's style featured rich colors, sensual and symbolic images, and a focus on medieval themes and literature
  • Often depicted his muses, particularly Elizabeth Siddal (his wife and model)
  • Examples: "Beata Beatrix" (a tribute to Siddal) and "Proserpine" (featuring Jane Morris)
  • Influenced by Italian Renaissance art and Dante Alighieri's poetry

Millais' Evolution and Success

• Millais' early works exemplified the Pre-Raphaelite style with bright colors, sharp detail, and complex compositions
  • Examples: "Ophelia" (depicting the Shakespearean character) and "Christ in the House of His Parents"
• Later adopted a more conventional style and became a successful society portraitist
  • Elected as the President of the Royal Academy in 1896
  • Demonstrated the Pre-Raphaelites' impact on the art establishment

Hunt's Unwavering Commitment to Pre-Raphaelite Principles

• Hunt remained committed to the Pre-Raphaelite principles throughout his career
  • Emphasized moral and religious themes, brilliant colors, and scrupulous attention to detail
  • Examples: "The Light of the World" (a religious allegory) and "The Awakening Conscience" (addressing social issues)
  • Traveled to the Holy Land to ensure accuracy in his biblical scenes

Ford Madox Brown's Mentorship and Influence

• Ford Madox Brown, though never an official member, was a mentor to the Pre-Raphaelites
  • Influenced their style with his vivid colors, realist approach, and historical subjects
  • Examples: "Work" (depicting Victorian social classes) and "Chaucer at the Court of Edward III"
  • Taught at the Working Men's College, influencing the next generation of artists

Burne-Jones and the Second Generation

• Edward Burne-Jones, a second-generation Pre-Raphaelite, developed a distinctive style
  • Characterized by ethereal, elongated figures, dreamlike atmospheres, and medieval and mythological themes
  • Examples: "The Golden Stairs" (showcasing his decorative style) and "The Beguiling of Merlin" (inspired by Arthurian legend)
  • Collaborated with William Morris on decorative arts projects, extending Pre-Raphaelite principles to other media

Themes and Subjects in Pre-Raphaelite Art

Literary Inspiration and Symbolism

• Pre-Raphaelites drew inspiration from literature, particularly medieval poetry, Shakespeare, and Keats
  • Rossetti's "Beata Beatrix" (symbolizing Dante's Beatrice) and "Proserpine" (from Greek mythology)
  • Millais' "Ophelia" (depicting the tragic Shakespearean character)
  • Hunt's "Isabella and the Pot of Basil" (based on a Keats poem)
• Used symbolism to convey deeper meanings and emotions
  • Example: the red dove in Rossetti's "Ecce Ancilla Domini" representing the Holy Spirit

Religious and Moral Themes

• Religious and moral themes were prominent in Pre-Raphaelite works
  • Hunt's "The Light of the World" (depicting Christ as a source of spiritual enlightenment)
  • Hunt's "The Awakening Conscience" (addressing the theme of redemption and social issues)
  • Millais' "Christ in the House of His Parents" (humanizing the Holy Family)
• Conveyed spiritual messages through symbolism and detailed, realistic depictions

Medievalism and Historical Subjects

• Pre-Raphaelites had a fascination with medieval culture and history
  • Rossetti's "Ecce Ancilla Domini" (a medieval-inspired Annunciation scene)
  • Brown's "Chaucer at the Court of Edward III" (depicting the medieval poet and his era)
  • Burne-Jones' "The Beguiling of Merlin" (inspired by Arthurian legend)
• Reflected their interest in reviving pre-Renaissance artistic principles and aesthetics

Nature and Landscape

• Celebrated the beauty of the natural world in landscapes and outdoor scenes
  • Millais' "Autumn Leaves" (capturing the melancholic beauty of the season)
  • Hunt's "Our English Coasts" (showcasing the cliffs of the Isle of Wight)
  • Demonstrated their dedication to plein-air painting and meticulous detail
• Used nature symbolically to convey emotions and ideas
  • Example: the drowning Ophelia amidst the lush, untamed landscape in Millais' painting

Portraiture and the Female Subject

• Depicted strong, beautiful women as subjects, blurring the lines between portraiture and symbolism
  • Rossetti's "The Blessed Damozel" (a symbolic representation of yearning and separation)
  • Burne-Jones' "The Golden Stairs" (an ethereal procession of enigmatic female figures)
  • Millais' "Ophelia" (combining portraiture with symbolic and narrative elements)
• Reflected the Pre-Raphaelites' admiration for and complex relationships with their models and muses

Techniques and Materials of Pre-Raphaelite Artists

Color and Luminosity

• Rejected the use of bitumen and other materials that caused paintings to darken over time
  • Opted for pure, bright colors applied directly on a white ground for luminosity
  • Examples: the vibrant hues in Millais' "Ophelia" and Hunt's "Our English Coasts"
• Employed a wet-white technique, applying semi-translucent layers of paint over a wet white ground
  • Achieved a jewel-like effect and depth of color
  • Evident in Rossetti's "Bocca Baciata" and Burne-Jones' "King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid"

Attention to Detail and Naturalism

• Paid meticulous attention to detail, painting each element of the composition with equal precision
  • Used fine brushes to achieve intricate, lifelike depictions
  • Exemplified in Hunt's "The Hireling Shepherd" and Millais' "Christ in the House of His Parents"
• Frequently painted en plein air to capture the effects of natural light and ensure accuracy
  • Millais' "The Blind Girl" showcases the artists' commitment to outdoor painting
  • Hunt's "Strayed Sheep" demonstrates the careful study of natural elements

Symbolism and Visual Metaphors

• Used symbolism and visual metaphors to convey deeper meanings and emotions
  • The red dove in Rossetti's "Ecce Ancilla Domini" represents the Holy Spirit
  • The scattered leaves in Millais' "Autumn Leaves" symbolize the transience of life
  • Hunt's "The Light of the World" uses the lantern and closed door as metaphors for spiritual enlightenment and the human soul

Decorative Elements and Medieval Inspiration

• Incorporated intricate, decorative patterns and accessories into their compositions
  • Drew inspiration from medieval art, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts
  • Evident in Burne-Jones' "The Beguiling of Merlin" and Rossetti's "The Blue Silk Dress"
• Collaborated with craftsmen and designers to create decorative objects and interiors
  • Morris & Co., founded by William Morris and featuring designs by Burne-Jones and Rossetti
  • Reflected the Pre-Raphaelites' desire to unite art and craftsmanship

Impact of Individual Artists on the Movement

Rossetti's Leadership and Aesthetic Vision

• As a founding member and charismatic leader, Rossetti set the tone for the Pre-Raphaelite movement
  • Emphasized literary themes, medieval aesthetics, and symbolic imagery
  • Examples: "Ecce Ancilla Domini" and "Proserpine"
• His personal style and subject matter influenced the direction of the movement
  • Focus on female beauty, sensuality, and poetic inspiration
  • Mentor and collaborator to younger artists like Burne-Jones

Millais' Technical Skill and Mainstream Appeal

• Millais' technical skill and ability to blend Pre-Raphaelite principles with mainstream trends helped popularize the movement
  • Paintings like "Ophelia" and "The Order of Release" gained critical acclaim
  • Elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1853, signaling acceptance of Pre-Raphaelite ideas
• His later success as a society portraitist demonstrated the movement's impact on the art establishment

Hunt's Philosophical Consistency and Religious Themes

• Hunt's unwavering commitment to Pre-Raphaelite ideals provided a consistent philosophical backbone
  • Maintained emphasis on religious and moral themes throughout his career
  • Examples: "The Light of the World" and "The Scapegoat"
• His dedication to accurate, detailed depictions and plein-air painting set a standard for the movement

Brown's Mentorship and Stylistic Contributions

• Brown's influence as a mentor and his contributions to the Pre-Raphaelite style were crucial to the movement's development
  • Taught and inspired younger artists, including Rossetti and Burne-Jones
  • His use of vivid colors and realist approach influenced the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic
  • Examples: "Work" and "The Last of England"

Burne-Jones and the Expansion of Pre-Raphaelite Aesthetics

• Burne-Jones' unique interpretation of Pre-Raphaelite principles expanded the movement's aesthetic boundaries
  • Developed a distinctive style characterized by ethereal, elongated figures and dreamlike atmospheres
  • Examples: "The Golden Stairs" and "King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid"
• His decorative style and collaboration with William Morris influenced the later Aesthetic Movement

Personal Relationships and Artistic Community

• The Pre-Raphaelites' personal relationships fostered a sense of community and shared purpose
  • Rossetti's mentorship of Burne-Jones and Elizabeth Siddal's role as a model and artist
  • The close friendship between Millais and Hunt, who traveled together and shared studios
  • Brown's role as a teacher and mentor to younger artists
• These connections facilitated the exchange of ideas, techniques, and artistic support within the movement