By Emma Myers~ Copy Editor
In 1843, an art critic by the name of John Ruskin dropped a five book series where he criticized contemporary artists.
Previously, the Royal Academy, a school in London, England, was teaching its pupils to emulate the paintings of Renaissance painter Raphael. He mostly painted important scenes from the Bible, using sharp focus to highlight important figures, and casting a shadow over the background.
However, Ruskin suggested that artists should strive to highlight the beauty of the natural world, and create more elaborate backgrounds that contribute to the storytelling of the original work, not just fade into obscurity, even in light of the main subject.
In 1848, three young artists all studying at the academy took Ruskin’s sentiment to heart, and formed a movement entitled “The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.”
The original members of this movement were William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Dante Gabriel Roessetti was known for his poetry and paintings, using the two to tell a visual and literary story. Some of his most famous works include,
“Lady Lilith”
“The Blessed Damozel” (accompanying poem not pictured)
William Holman Hunt was known for his stand-out, scandalous piece depicting an affair. Previously, paintings were encouraged to remain divine in their subject matter. This piece shocked many, shaking the precedent of the movement.
“The Awakening Conscience”
John Everett Milais was the youngest member of the Royal Academy at age eleven. He contributed many paintings to the movement, one of which went on to be criticized by none other than Charles Dickens.
“Christ In The House With His Parents”
Dickens criticized the piece based on its “ugliness.” The domestic demonstration of such prominent religious figures was a major source of contention for the Victorian public.
This movement was very short-lived but is an important piece of artistic legacy for movements to follow.
The brotherhood disbanded in 1854, but the “brothers’” work was far from over. Rossetti mentored two aspiring artists, leading “The Arts and Crafts Movement.” Similarly, Milais went on to become the president of the Royal Academy in 1896.
References
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, April 4). Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/Pre-Raphaelite-Brotherhood
Shrimpton, N. (2024, April 4). John Ruskin. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Ruskin
Bryson, J. and Gaunt, . William (2024, April 5). Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dante-Gabriel-Rossetti
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, March 27). John Everett Millais. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Everett-Millais
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, March 29). William Holman Hunt. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Holman-Hunt
