Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

Definition

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English artists and writers formed in 1848, who sought to return to the detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of art prior to the High Renaissance, specifically before Raphael. They rejected the academic standards of their time, focusing instead on a more naturalistic approach that emphasized themes from literature, nature, and medieval history, which connects to the historiographical discussions about the Middle Ages and how they were interpreted in later artistic movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and John Everett Millais, who aimed to challenge the prevailing artistic norms of their time.
2. Their work often featured vivid colors and meticulous attention to detail, which were inspired by nature and medieval themes, making them distinct from their contemporaries.
3. Literature played a significant role in their art, with many paintings based on literary sources such as poems by Alfred Lord Tennyson or Dante Alighieri.
4. The Brotherhood had a strong connection to the idea of medievalism, often romanticizing the past and depicting historical subjects in a way that reflected contemporary values.
5. Despite facing criticism from traditional art circles, the Pre-Raphaelites influenced later movements such as Symbolism and Art Nouveau, leaving a lasting legacy in the art world.

Review Questions

• How did the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's rejection of academic standards impact their artistic choices?
  • The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's rejection of academic standards allowed them to pursue a more authentic and detailed representation of subjects. They focused on vivid colors and intricate details that were inspired by nature and historical narratives rather than adhering to established conventions. This approach led to innovative compositions that challenged viewers' perceptions of art during their time.
• Discuss the significance of literary influences on the works produced by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
  • Literary influences were crucial to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, as many of their artworks were inspired by poetry and classic literature. For instance, Rossetti's paintings often drew from Dante's works, while Millais referenced Tennyson's poetry. This intertwining of literature and visual art not only enriched their themes but also provided a deeper cultural context that resonated with their audience, illustrating how they reinterpreted medieval narratives through a contemporary lens.
• Evaluate how the ideals of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood reflect changing attitudes toward the Middle Ages in Victorian society.
  • The ideals of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood reveal a significant shift in Victorian attitudes towards the Middle Ages, showcasing a romanticized vision of this era as one rich in emotion, beauty, and moral depth. Their fascination with medieval themes highlighted a growing interest in history as a source of inspiration rather than mere antiquity. This movement contributed to the broader cultural trend of medievalism during this period, influencing everything from literature to architecture and shaping how society engaged with its historical past.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism as a reaction against the industrial revolution and neoclassical standards.

Aesthetic Movement: A late 19th-century movement advocating for 'art for art's sake,' prioritizing beauty and sensory experience over moral or political themes in art and literature.

Medievalism: The practice of creating art or literature that draws inspiration from the Middle Ages, often reflecting romanticized views of medieval life and culture.