The Art Revolution of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
A group of dissident young British artists established a covert organization in the middle of the 19th century to question accepted academic painting norms. Identifying as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB), they looked to the realism, detail, and purity of early Renaissance painters prior to Raphael for inspiration, rejecting the artificiality of paintings influenced by the Renaissance.
Their movement was stunningly beautiful, contentious, and radical. However, what was the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and why does it still hold the attention of viewers today?
The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's History
Three young musicians started the PRB in 1848:
Rossetti, Dante Gabriel
Everett Millais, John
Hunt, William Holman
Other authors and artists, such as Thomas Woolner, James Collinson, Frederic George Stephens, and William Michael Rossetti (the brother of Dante Gabriel), later joined them. They felt that the Royal Academy's academic teachings had grown uninspiring and formulaic; hence, their goal was to disavow them.
Essential Elements of Pre-Raphaelitism
The Brotherhood promoted vivid color schemes, meticulous workmanship, and a return to nature.Among their traits were:
Truth to nature: Every aspect, no matter how minor, needs to be accurately and realistically portrayed.
Bright colors and keen focus: They eschewed the dark, murky hues used by academic artists in favor of vibrant, jewel-like tones, which were influenced by early Renaissance paintings.
Storytelling and symbolism: A lot of PRB paintings have hidden meanings, frequently referencing biblical themes, mythology, Shakespeare, and medieval legends.
Refusal of classical art formulas: They disapproved of the artistic guidelines that the Royal Academy supported, especially the artificial influence of Michelangelo and Raphael.
Notable Pre-Raphaelite Pieces
The following are a few of the movement's most famous paintings:
Shakespeare's tragic heroine drifting in a river is depicted in John Everett Millais's hauntingly beautiful painting "Ophelia" (1851–1852), which is filled with meticulous natural detail.
William Holman Hunt's moralistic narrative painting "The Awakening Conscience" (1853) depicts a woman who abruptly realizes the repercussions of her immoral way of life.
The death of Dante Gabriel Rossetti's wife and muse, Elizabeth Siddal, served as the inspiration for his intensely personal and allegorical painting "Beata Beatrix" (1864–70).
Women and the Pre-Raphaelites
As artists and muses, women were integral to the Pre-Raphaelite movement.With their ethereal beauty, sad looks, and flowing red hair, the Brotherhood's models—including Fanny Cornforth, Jane Morris, and Elizabeth Siddal—became symbols of the movement.
Further, the PRB's aesthetic was maintained by artists such as Evelyn De Morgan and Marie Spartali Stillman, who made sure that women were not only objects of interest but were engaged members of the movement.
The Legacy of Pre-Raphaelite
Although the Brotherhood had disbanded by the late 1850s, its impact persisted.Their surreal beauty has enthralled painters, filmmakers, and fashion designers throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, and their work provided influence for later movements like the Aesthetic Movement and Symbolism.
The Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic is still present in everything from William Morris's Arts and Crafts Movement to contemporary fantasy art and even the visual look of movies like "The Lord of the Rings."
Finalization
The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was more than just a group of painters—it was a revolution in artistic thought. By embracing nature, storytelling, and raw emotion, they created some of the most stunning and evocative artworks of the 19th century.
Today, their paintings still speak to us, drawing us into worlds of romance, myth, and beauty. Whether you are an art enthusiast or are just learning about the Pre-Raphaelites, they are a reminder that true artistic passion never fades.
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