Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

Definition

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was an artistic movement founded in 1848 by a group of English painters, poets, and critics who sought to challenge the conventions of academic art by returning to the detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of art before Raphael. This group emphasized the importance of nature, literature, and emotional depth in their works, which laid the groundwork for the Aesthetic Movement that followed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was formed in 1848 in reaction to the Royal Academy's traditional approach to art, aiming to promote a more authentic and emotional expression.
2. Members were known for their meticulous attention to detail and vibrant color palettes, often painting scenes from literature, mythology, and nature.
3. The group included notable figures such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt, each contributing uniquely to the movement's ideals.
4. Their artworks often incorporated symbolic elements and allegorical narratives, reflecting their interest in spirituality and deeper meanings in art.
5. The Pre-Raphaelite influence extended beyond painting into poetry and literature, shaping the aesthetic principles that characterized the later Aesthetic Movement.

Review Questions

• How did the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's ideals challenge the conventions of academic art during their time?
  • The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood challenged academic art by rejecting the established norms of their time, particularly the emphasis on idealized forms and historical subjects. They sought to return to a more authentic representation of nature and emotion, using vibrant colors and intricate details to convey their messages. Their focus on realism and emotional depth stood in stark contrast to the academic tradition that prioritized grandeur and classical themes.
• In what ways did the works of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood influence the Aesthetic Movement that followed?
  • The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood laid the groundwork for the Aesthetic Movement by promoting a view of art centered around beauty and sensory experience. Their emphasis on detail, color, and emotional resonance became defining characteristics of Aestheticism. As artists and writers adopted these principles, they began to advocate for art as an independent entity free from moral or social obligations, which became a hallmark of Aesthetic thought.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood on both visual arts and literature in subsequent movements.
  • The lasting impact of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood is evident in how they influenced both visual arts and literature in later movements like Symbolism and Art Nouveau. Their focus on beauty, nature, and emotional depth inspired a generation of artists who sought to convey complex feelings through their work. Additionally, writers embraced their thematic concerns about love, beauty, and nature in poetry and prose, contributing to a broader cultural shift toward aesthetic appreciation in both art forms.

Related terms

Aestheticism: A late 19th-century movement that advocated for 'art for art's sake,' emphasizing beauty and sensory experiences over moral or political themes.

John Everett Millais: One of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, known for his detailed and vibrant paintings, including 'Ophelia.'

Dante Gabriel Rossetti: A co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and a prominent poet and painter, whose works often featured themes of love and beauty drawn from literature.