John Everett Millais

Definition

John Everett Millais was a British painter and one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, known for his vivid colors and attention to detail. His work exemplified the movement’s desire to return to the detailed observation of nature and complex symbolism, making significant contributions to Victorian art and aesthetics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Millais was born in 1829 in Southampton, England, and showed artistic talent from a young age, entering the Royal Academy at just eleven years old.
2. He played a key role in several iconic works for the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, including 'Isabella' and 'The Blind Girl,' both reflecting the movement's ideals.
3. Millais' work often included intricate detail and vibrant color palettes, drawing inspiration from nature and literature.
4. His painting 'Ophelia' is celebrated for its stunning depiction of the drowning character and is considered a masterpiece of Victorian art.
5. Millais later moved away from Pre-Raphaelite ideals, embracing broader themes in his career and even accepting a knighthood for his contributions to British art.

Review Questions

• How did John Everett Millais contribute to the goals of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood through his artwork?
  • John Everett Millais contributed significantly to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood by embodying its principles of detailed observation of nature and symbolic content. His paintings, such as 'Isabella,' showcased vibrant colors and intricate details that aimed to capture the viewer's attention and evoke emotional responses. Millais' emphasis on realism and naturalism reflected the Brotherhood's desire to break free from conventional academic practices in art.
• Discuss how Millais' painting 'Ophelia' reflects both Pre-Raphaelite ideals and Victorian sensibilities.
  • 'Ophelia' serves as a powerful illustration of Pre-Raphaelite ideals through its attention to nature, detail, and emotional depth. The lush greenery and realistic portrayal of flowers not only highlight Millais’ technical skill but also connect with Victorian sensibilities about beauty and morality. The tragic scene invites viewers to reflect on themes of love and loss, resonating with contemporary audiences who valued both aesthetic beauty and deeper meaning in art.
• Evaluate Millais' shift away from Pre-Raphaelite ideals later in his career and its impact on Victorian art as a whole.
  • Millais' shift from strict adherence to Pre-Raphaelite principles towards broader themes marked a significant transition in Victorian art. By embracing a wider range of subjects, including historical narratives and portraits, he demonstrated how artists could evolve while still contributing richly to their era. This evolution allowed for more diversity within Victorian art, reflecting changing societal values while maintaining a connection to earlier movements like the Pre-Raphaelites.

Related terms

Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: A group of English painters, poets, and critics founded in 1848, aiming to reject the academic standards of their time and return to the rich colors and intricate details seen before Raphael.

Victorian Art: Art produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), characterized by themes of moral seriousness, social reform, and a fascination with realism and historical subjects.

Ophelia: One of Millais' most famous paintings, depicting the tragic character from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' showcasing his signature style and emotional depth.