Pre-Raphaelites in the Victorian age

The Pre-Raphaelites were a group of English artists who formed a brotherhood in the mid-19th century. They were founded in 1848 by William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who were all students at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The Pre-Raphaelites were known for their rejection of traditional academic painting and their interest in medieval and early Renaissance art.

The name "Pre-Raphaelite" refers to their admiration for the art that was created before the time of Raphael, the Italian Renaissance painter. They believed that Raphael and his contemporaries had corrupted art by placing too much emphasis on formal, academic training and idealized depictions of beauty. Instead, the Pre-Raphaelites sought to return to a simpler, more naturalistic style of painting that focused on the truth of the subject matter.

The Pre-Raphaelites were particularly interested in painting subjects from literature, mythology, and religious texts. They often used symbolism and allegory in their work to convey deeper meanings and emotions. The group's most famous works include John Everett Millais' "Ophelia," which depicts the drowning of Shakespeare's tragic character in Hamlet, and William Holman Hunt's "The Light of the World," which portrays Christ knocking on the door of the human soul.

The Pre-Raphaelites were also known for their distinctive use of color and attention to detail. They were meticulous in their painting techniques, often spending months or even years on a single painting. They also experimented with new materials, such as oil paint mixed with resin, to create vivid colors and luminosity in their work.

The Pre-Raphaelites were not just a group of artists; they were also a social and cultural movement. They rejected the prevailing Victorian attitudes towards art and society, which they saw as overly materialistic and lacking in spirituality. They championed a return to the values of medieval society, which they believed were more in tune with nature and the human spirit.

The Pre-Raphaelites also had a significant impact on the art world of their time. They inspired a new generation of artists who rejected the academic traditions of the Royal Academy and sought to create a more individualistic, expressive form of art. Their influence can be seen in the works of later artists such as Edward Burne-Jones and Aubrey Beardsley.

In conclusion, the Pre-Raphaelites were a group of English artists who rejected the traditional academic painting of their time and sought to return to a more naturalistic style of painting. They were known for their use of color, attention to detail, and interest in literary and mythological subjects.

They were also a social and cultural movement that rejected the materialistic values of Victorian society and championed a return to the spiritual values of medieval society. Their influence can still be felt in the art world today, making them an important and enduring part of art history.