preRaphaelite

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English painters and poets founded in 1848. Members included William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, along with his brothers William Michael Rossetti and Christina Rossetti, and James Collinson, Frederic George Stephens, and Thomas Woolner. The group was formed in reaction to the perceived mediocrity of the Royal Academy of Arts and its adherence to the artistic principles of Raphael.

The Pre-Raphaelites sought to revive the distinctive style and spirit of painting from before the time of Raphael. They admired the detail and intensity of Quattrocento Italian art, as well as the detailed realism of Northern European Renaissance artists. Their aim was to create art that was more truthful and less artificial than contemporary Victorian art. Key characteristics of their work include vibrant colors, meticulous detail, often depicting themes from literature, medieval romance, and religious subjects. They favored the use of oil paints applied thinly, often directly onto a white ground to achieve a luminous effect.

The movement was controversial from its inception. Critics often found their work to be ugly, overly detailed, and lacking in ideal beauty. However, their innovative approach and commitment to realism gained them a following. While the Brotherhood itself dissolved by 1854, its influence continued to be felt throughout the latter half of the 19th century and beyond, inspiring later artists and movements with its emphasis on naturalism, symbolic depth, and emotional intensity. The Pre-Raphaelites left a significant legacy on British art, challenging conventions and paving the way for new artistic directions.