Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

Definition

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English painters, poets, and critics founded in 1848 who sought to reform art by rejecting the academic standards of their time and returning to the detailed observation and vibrant colors of early Renaissance art. They aimed to create works that were emotionally expressive, imbued with moral themes, and celebrated nature, thus drawing inspiration from medieval and early Renaissance sources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was established by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and John Everett Millais in response to the perceived decline in quality and sincerity of contemporary art.
2. Their works often depicted subjects from literature, mythology, and religious themes, incorporating rich symbolism and intricate details.
3. The Brotherhood promoted an artistic style characterized by bright colors, precise details, and an emphasis on nature, often using models from real life rather than relying on academic conventions.
4. The Pre-Raphaelites were also known for their commitment to social reform, often addressing issues like poverty and injustice in their works.
5. The influence of medieval art can be seen in their use of flattened perspective and ornate decorative elements, which challenged the traditional techniques favored by academic artists.

Review Questions

• How did the founding principles of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood reflect their desire to change the art world of their time?
  • The founding principles of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood centered around a rejection of the prevailing academic art standards that they believed stifled creativity. They emphasized direct observation from nature, vibrant color palettes, and intricate details that captured emotional depth. By focusing on these elements, they sought to revive the sincerity and truthfulness they felt were lost in contemporary art, creating a fresh approach that significantly influenced future artistic movements.
• In what ways did medieval and early Renaissance art influence the aesthetic choices of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood?
  • Medieval and early Renaissance art significantly influenced the Pre-Raphaelites' aesthetic choices by inspiring their use of rich color schemes, detailed patterns, and narrative-driven subjects. They admired the emotive expressions found in earlier works and adopted similar techniques such as flattening perspective to evoke a sense of spiritual connection. This connection with earlier styles allowed them to express complex moral themes while remaining visually engaging.
• Evaluate how the goals of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood contributed to broader artistic movements that followed their emergence.
  • The goals of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood laid crucial groundwork for later artistic movements by challenging existing norms and advocating for a return to authentic representation in art. Their emphasis on emotional expression and intricate detail paved the way for Symbolism and Aestheticism, which explored deeper meanings beyond mere representation. The legacy of the Brotherhood's ideals is evident in how subsequent artists sought to prioritize personal vision and emotional depth over strict adherence to academic standards.

Related terms

Symbolism: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of symbolic imagery to convey deeper meanings and emotions, often aligning with the ideals of the Pre-Raphaelites.

Renaissance: A cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe, marked by a revival of classical learning and values, influencing the Pre-Raphaelites in their pursuit of beauty and truth.

Aestheticism: An art movement that emphasized aesthetic values over moral or narrative themes, which was partly a reaction against the Pre-Raphaelites' focus on moral stories and nature.