John Everett Millais

Definition

John Everett Millais was a British painter and illustrator, co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, known for his detailed and emotive works that often depicted themes of beauty, nature, and morality. His art frequently challenged the traditional norms of the time, showcasing the complexity of human experiences, including those related to disability and social issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Millais is famous for his painting 'Ophelia,' which portrays the tragic figure from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' in a lush natural setting, highlighting both beauty and despair.
2. His work 'The Blind Girl' is notable for its representation of disability, depicting two girls in a poignant scene that invites reflection on perception and empathy.
3. Millais began his career as a child prodigy and exhibited his first painting at the Royal Academy at just 11 years old.
4. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative use of color, which set him apart from his contemporaries.
5. Later in life, Millais transitioned to portraiture and became a successful painter of society portraits, reflecting changing tastes in the art world.

Review Questions

• How did John Everett Millais's role as a co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood influence his artistic approach to disability in his works?
  • As a co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Millais aimed to challenge traditional artistic conventions. This innovative spirit allowed him to explore complex themes such as disability in a more empathetic light. His work often depicted individuals with disabilities not merely as subjects of pity but as integral parts of emotional narratives, encouraging viewers to engage with their stories and experiences.
• Discuss how Millais's portrayal of characters with disabilities reflects the cultural attitudes of the Victorian Era.
  • Millais's portrayals of characters with disabilities reflect the mixed cultural attitudes of the Victorian Era, which often oscillated between fascination and stigma. Through works like 'The Blind Girl,' Millais humanized individuals with disabilities, prompting audiences to confront their own perceptions. This nuanced representation challenged societal norms while also highlighting themes of vulnerability and resilience within the context of beauty.
• Evaluate how John Everett Millais’s shift from Pre-Raphaelitism to portraiture signifies broader changes in the art world during his lifetime.
  • Millais's transition from Pre-Raphaelitism to portraiture illustrates significant shifts in artistic priorities during his lifetime. As the Aesthetic Movement gained traction, there was a growing emphasis on beauty and personal expression over narrative depth. This shift reflected changing societal tastes that favored more accessible forms of art. Millais adapted successfully to these changes, maintaining relevance while demonstrating how artists navigated evolving public expectations regarding art's purpose.

Related terms

Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: A group of English painters, poets, and critics founded in 1848, which aimed to reform art by rejecting the academic standards of the time and drawing inspiration from nature and medieval themes.

Victorian Era: A period during Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, characterized by strict social morals, industrial progress, and significant changes in art and literature.

Aesthetic Movement: A late 19th-century artistic movement that emphasized aesthetic values over moral or narrative considerations, which influenced Millais' later work.