John Everett Millais

Definition

John Everett Millais was a British painter and one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, established in 1848. His works often drew inspiration from medieval themes, which significantly influenced the representation of medievalism in Romantic and Victorian literature. Millais' art is characterized by its detailed realism and emotional depth, often portraying historical and literary subjects that resonate with the romantic ideals of his time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Millais is best known for his painting 'Ophelia,' which depicts the character from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' surrounded by nature, showcasing both beauty and tragedy.
2. His early works were marked by their vivid colors and intricate details, often illustrating scenes from literature or history that echoed medieval themes.
3. As a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Millais rejected conventional techniques in favor of a more naturalistic approach to painting.
4. Millais later transitioned to creating more traditional Victorian subjects, including portraits and historical paintings, while still maintaining his signature detail-oriented style.
5. His influence extended beyond painting, as Millais' works inspired many writers and poets of the time, integrating visual art into the broader context of Romantic and Victorian literature.

Review Questions

• How did John Everett Millais contribute to the ideals of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and what impact did this have on medievalism in literature?
  • John Everett Millais played a crucial role in establishing the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which emphasized a return to detailed realism and vibrant color reminiscent of art prior to Raphael. By focusing on medieval themes in his artwork, Millais helped bridge visual art with literary narratives, influencing how writers portrayed medievalism in their works. His emphasis on emotional depth and historical accuracy resonated with the Romantic movement's fascination with medieval subjects, thereby enriching the literary landscape.
• Discuss how Millais' painting 'Ophelia' reflects both Romantic ideals and elements of medievalism.
  • 'Ophelia' is a powerful example of Millais’ ability to blend Romantic ideals with medieval themes. The painting captures a tragic moment from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet,' symbolizing deep emotion and loss. The lush natural setting conveys a sense of beauty that was characteristic of Romantic art while also invoking a medieval sensibility through its portrayal of chivalric tragedy. This merging creates a complex narrative that invites viewers to reflect on both human emotion and historical context.
• Evaluate the significance of John Everett Millais' artistic approach in shaping Victorian literature’s representation of medievalism.
  • Millais' artistic approach significantly shaped how Victorian literature represented medievalism by infusing visual narratives with rich detail and emotional complexity. His focus on realism and historical accuracy inspired writers to adopt similar techniques in their storytelling. By depicting scenes that captured the essence of medieval life—such as chivalry, romance, and tragedy—Millais not only influenced the aesthetic preferences of his contemporaries but also prompted authors to explore deeper themes associated with identity and morality within their own works.

Related terms

Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: An artistic movement formed by a group of English painters, poets, and critics in 1848 who sought to reject the academic standards of the Royal Academy and revive the intense detail and vibrant colors found in art before the High Renaissance.

Medievalism: The romanticized interpretation and representation of the Middle Ages in literature, art, and culture, often focusing on chivalry, heroism, and the supernatural.

Victorian Literature: The body of literary works produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), characterized by its focus on social issues, moral challenges, and an exploration of personal and societal conflicts.