Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

Definition

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English artists and poets founded in 1848, aiming to challenge the academic standards of their time and return to the detail, intense colors, and complex compositions found in art before Raphael. This movement emerged as a response to the rapid industrialization of England, which significantly altered perceptions of nature and beauty in art, emphasizing a desire for a more authentic representation of the natural world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and John Everett Millais as a reaction against the Royal Academy's rigid standards.
2. Their artworks often featured medieval themes, lush landscapes, and an attention to detail that sought to capture the beauty of nature in its purest form.
3. The group's manifesto emphasized a belief in the importance of direct observation from nature, advocating for a more personal and emotional connection in their artwork.
4. Notable works include Millais' 'Ophelia', which showcases intricate detail in both the figure and the natural environment surrounding her.
5. The movement not only influenced painting but also had lasting impacts on literature and decorative arts, promoting an integrated approach to art that celebrated craftsmanship.

Review Questions

• How did the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's ideals contrast with the artistic standards of their time?
  • The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood rejected the established norms set by the Royal Academy, which emphasized classical themes and polished techniques. Instead, they advocated for a return to earlier artistic practices that emphasized vivid colors, intricate details, and a closer observation of nature. Their focus on emotional depth and naturalism marked a significant shift away from the idealized forms of their contemporaries, allowing them to create works that resonated more personally with viewers.
• In what ways did industrialization influence the themes and subjects depicted by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood?
  • Industrialization brought rapid change to England, leading to urbanization and a disconnection from nature. The Pre-Raphaelites sought to counter this shift by celebrating natural beauty and medieval subjects in their art. Their works often depicted lush landscapes and idyllic scenes that served as a reminder of a simpler, more harmonious relationship with nature, reflecting a longing for an idealized past free from industrial encroachment.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood on subsequent art movements and how their principles shaped modern artistic expression.
  • The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood laid the groundwork for later movements such as Aestheticism and Symbolism by emphasizing personal expression and the value of beauty in art. Their focus on intricate detail and emotional depth encouraged artists to explore new techniques and subject matters beyond traditional themes. This embrace of individuality and craftsmanship not only influenced visual arts but also extended into literature and design, fostering a lasting legacy that continues to resonate in contemporary artistic practices today.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often as a reaction against industrialization.

Symbolism: An artistic movement that sought to represent ideas and emotions through symbolic imagery rather than direct representation, often connecting to nature and spiritual themes.

Aestheticism: A late 19th-century movement that valued beauty and aesthetic experience over moral or political themes in art, often linked with the ideas promoted by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.