🎩Nineteenth Century Art Unit 5 – Pre–Raphaelites

Origins and Context

• Emerged in England in 1848 as a reaction against the conventional art and teachings of the Royal Academy
• Founded by a group of young artists who sought to revive the sincerity, morality, and attention to nature found in art before Raphael
• Influenced by the ideas of art critic John Ruskin who advocated for a return to nature and "truth to nature" in art
• Coincided with the Victorian era marked by rapid industrialization, social upheaval, and a growing interest in medievalism and romanticism
• Reflected a desire to reform art and society by rejecting the artificiality and materialism of the time
• Drew inspiration from literary works, particularly those of Shakespeare, Keats, and Tennyson
• Aligned with the broader Pre-Raphaelite movement that encompassed literature, poetry, and design

Key Figures and Founders

• Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a poet, and painter who played a central role in the formation and direction of the Brotherhood
  • Known for his medieval-inspired paintings and poetry that often featured symbolic and allegorical themes
• William Holman Hunt, a devout Christian who sought to imbue his paintings with moral and religious significance
  • Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and use of bright, luminous colors
• John Everett Millais, the most technically skilled of the founders, known for his realistic and detailed paintings
  • Created some of the most iconic Pre-Raphaelite works, such as "Ophelia" and "Christ in the House of His Parents"
• Other notable members included James Collinson, Frederic George Stephens, and Thomas Woolner
• Associated artists and followers included Ford Madox Brown, Edward Burne-Jones, and William Morris
• Supported by art critic John Ruskin who championed their work and ideas

Artistic Principles and Ideals

• Rejected the academic conventions and idealized forms taught at the Royal Academy
• Sought to return to the sincerity, morality, and attention to nature found in art before Raphael
• Emphasized the importance of direct observation from nature and the use of bright, pure colors
• Believed in the moral purpose of art to uplift and inspire viewers
• Valued the expression of genuine emotion and the depiction of contemporary life and social issues
• Drew inspiration from literary sources, particularly medieval and romantic poetry
• Embraced symbolism and allegory to convey deeper spiritual and moral meanings
• Strived for a high level of realism and detail in their paintings

Signature Techniques and Style

• Characterized by a sharp focus, vivid colors, and minute attention to detail
• Used bright, pure colors applied in small touches to create a jewel-like effect
• Employed a wet-white ground technique, applying paint onto a wet, white background to achieve luminosity
• Often painted outdoors to capture natural light and atmospheric effects
• Depicted subjects with a sense of realism and individuality, eschewing idealized or generic forms
• Incorporated symbolic elements and literary references to convey deeper meanings
• Experimented with unusual compositions and cropping to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy
• Paid meticulous attention to the rendering of textures, such as fabric, foliage, and skin

Notable Works and Themes

• "Ophelia" by John Everett Millais (1851-1852), depicting the tragic heroine from Shakespeare's Hamlet
  • Renowned for its intricate depiction of nature and the symbolic use of flowers
• "Christ in the House of His Parents" by John Everett Millais (1849-1850), a controversial work that humanized the Holy Family
• "The Awakening Conscience" by William Holman Hunt (1853), addressing the theme of moral redemption
• "The Annunciation" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1850), showcasing his interest in medieval spirituality and symbolism
• "The Last of England" by Ford Madox Brown (1855), a social commentary on emigration and the plight of the working class
• Common themes included religion, morality, nature, beauty, love, and social issues
• Often depicted scenes from literature, particularly the works of Shakespeare, Keats, and Tennyson

Cultural Impact and Reception

• Initially faced criticism and controversy for their unconventional style and subject matter
• Challenged the prevailing tastes and standards of the Victorian art world
• Gradually gained recognition and influence, particularly through the support of John Ruskin
• Inspired a younger generation of artists, such as Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris
• Contributed to the development of the Aesthetic Movement and the Arts and Crafts Movement
• Had a lasting impact on the decorative arts, including textile design, book illustration, and stained glass
• Influenced the development of Art Nouveau and Symbolism in the late 19th century
• Sparked debates about the role of art in society and the relationship between art and morality

Legacy and Influence

• Recognized as one of the most significant and influential art movements of the 19th century
• Paved the way for the development of modern art by challenging academic conventions and emphasizing individuality
• Inspired later artists, such as the Symbolists and the Art Nouveau movement
• Contributed to the revival of interest in medieval art, literature, and craftsmanship
• Influenced the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which sought to reform design and craftsmanship
• Had a lasting impact on the decorative arts, including textile design, book illustration, and stained glass
• Continues to be celebrated for their technical skill, attention to detail, and symbolic and literary content
• Paintings and works remain highly valued and widely exhibited in major museums and collections worldwide

Related Movements and Comparisons

• Romanticism: Shared an emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature
  • Pre-Raphaelites were influenced by Romantic poets like Keats and Tennyson
• Realism: Both movements sought to depict the world with greater accuracy and attention to detail
  • Pre-Raphaelites differed in their use of symbolism and literary themes
• Aestheticism: Emphasized the importance of beauty and "art for art's sake"
  • Pre-Raphaelites believed in the moral purpose of art and the importance of sincerity
• Arts and Crafts Movement: Inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites' interest in medieval craftsmanship and design reform
• Art Nouveau: Influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites' use of natural forms, flowing lines, and symbolism
• Symbolism: Shared an interest in using art to convey deeper spiritual and emotional meanings
• Nazarene Movement: German group of artists who also sought to revive honesty and spirituality in art