Pre-Raphaelites

Definition

The Pre-Raphaelites were a group of English artists and poets founded in 1848 who aimed to challenge the established norms of the art world by returning to a style that preceded Raphael. They sought to embrace detailed naturalism, vibrant colors, and themes that emphasized emotional and moral content, often drawing inspiration from literature and medieval culture. Their movement emerged as a response to the industrialization of society, which they believed was leading to the decline of traditional artistic values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded by Millais, Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and others who sought to revive the artistic styles before Raphael's influence took hold.
2. Their artwork often included intricate details and vibrant colors that celebrated nature and highlighted moral or emotional themes.
3. Pre-Raphaelite artists often incorporated elements from medieval literature, mythology, and religious themes into their paintings.
4. The movement faced criticism for its departure from conventional art practices, particularly in the depiction of subjects and the idealization of beauty.
5. The Pre-Raphaelites laid the groundwork for later movements such as Symbolism and Art Nouveau by emphasizing individual expression and a return to nature.

Review Questions

• How did the Pre-Raphaelites respond to the changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution in their art?
  • The Pre-Raphaelites reacted against the Industrial Revolution by emphasizing a return to nature and traditional artistic values. They were concerned that industrialization led to a loss of beauty and authenticity in life, which they sought to counteract through their work. By focusing on detailed naturalism, vibrant colors, and themes of emotional depth, they aimed to revive what they viewed as more meaningful connections between art and humanity.
• Discuss how the aesthetic principles of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood influenced later artistic movements.
  • The aesthetic principles established by the Pre-Raphaelites significantly influenced later movements such as Symbolism and Art Nouveau. Their emphasis on emotional expression, intricate detail, and a strong connection to nature encouraged subsequent artists to explore similar themes in their works. The Pre-Raphaelites' rejection of conventional standards paved the way for a broader acceptance of diverse styles and personal expression in art during the late 19th century.
• Evaluate the significance of literature in shaping the subject matter of Pre-Raphaelite art and how this reflects their broader cultural concerns.
  • Literature played a crucial role in shaping the subject matter of Pre-Raphaelite art, as many artists drew inspiration from poetry, mythology, and medieval narratives. This focus on literary themes reflected their broader cultural concerns about the moral decline they perceived in society due to industrialization. By incorporating rich narratives into their artworks, Pre-Raphaelite artists aimed to elevate the role of art as a means for moral contemplation and emotional connection, thereby highlighting the importance of imagination and spirituality in an increasingly mechanized world.

Related terms

John Everett Millais: A founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Millais was known for his highly detailed and vivid paintings, including 'Ophelia' and 'Christ in the House of His Parents'.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti: Another key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Rossetti was a painter, poet, and translator who often depicted themes of love and beauty in his works, drawing from literary sources.

Industrial Revolution: A period of major industrialization during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that profoundly transformed economies, societies, and the arts in Europe and America.