Nineteenth Century Art

🎩Nineteenth Century Art Unit 5 – Pre–Raphaelites

The Pre-Raphaelites emerged in 1848 England, challenging the Royal Academy's conventions. These young artists aimed to revive sincerity and nature in art, drawing inspiration from medieval and romantic sources. Their work reflected Victorian-era social issues and a desire for artistic reform. Key figures like Rossetti, Hunt, and Millais championed bright colors, meticulous detail, and symbolic themes. Their paintings, such as Millais' "Ophelia," sparked controversy but ultimately influenced later movements like Art Nouveau and Symbolism, leaving a lasting impact on 19th-century art and culture.

Origins and Context

  • Emerged in England in 1848 as a reaction against the conventional art and teachings of the Royal Academy
  • Founded by a group of young artists who sought to revive the sincerity, morality, and attention to nature found in art before Raphael
  • Influenced by the ideas of art critic John Ruskin who advocated for a return to nature and "truth to nature" in art
  • Coincided with the Victorian era marked by rapid industrialization, social upheaval, and a growing interest in medievalism and romanticism
  • Reflected a desire to reform art and society by rejecting the artificiality and materialism of the time
  • Drew inspiration from literary works, particularly those of Shakespeare, Keats, and Tennyson
  • Aligned with the broader Pre-Raphaelite movement that encompassed literature, poetry, and design

Key Figures and Founders

  • Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a poet, and painter who played a central role in the formation and direction of the Brotherhood
    • Known for his medieval-inspired paintings and poetry that often featured symbolic and allegorical themes
  • William Holman Hunt, a devout Christian who sought to imbue his paintings with moral and religious significance
    • Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and use of bright, luminous colors
  • John Everett Millais, the most technically skilled of the founders, known for his realistic and detailed paintings
    • Created some of the most iconic Pre-Raphaelite works, such as "Ophelia" and "Christ in the House of His Parents"
  • Other notable members included James Collinson, Frederic George Stephens, and Thomas Woolner
  • Associated artists and followers included Ford Madox Brown, Edward Burne-Jones, and William Morris
  • Supported by art critic John Ruskin who championed their work and ideas

Artistic Principles and Ideals

  • Rejected the academic conventions and idealized forms taught at the Royal Academy
  • Sought to return to the sincerity, morality, and attention to nature found in art before Raphael
  • Emphasized the importance of direct observation from nature and the use of bright, pure colors
  • Believed in the moral purpose of art to uplift and inspire viewers
  • Valued the expression of genuine emotion and the depiction of contemporary life and social issues
  • Drew inspiration from literary sources, particularly medieval and romantic poetry
  • Embraced symbolism and allegory to convey deeper spiritual and moral meanings
  • Strived for a high level of realism and detail in their paintings

Signature Techniques and Style

  • Characterized by a sharp focus, vivid colors, and minute attention to detail
  • Used bright, pure colors applied in small touches to create a jewel-like effect
  • Employed a wet-white ground technique, applying paint onto a wet, white background to achieve luminosity
  • Often painted outdoors to capture natural light and atmospheric effects
  • Depicted subjects with a sense of realism and individuality, eschewing idealized or generic forms
  • Incorporated symbolic elements and literary references to convey deeper meanings
  • Experimented with unusual compositions and cropping to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy
  • Paid meticulous attention to the rendering of textures, such as fabric, foliage, and skin

Notable Works and Themes

  • "Ophelia" by John Everett Millais (1851-1852), depicting the tragic heroine from Shakespeare's Hamlet
    • Renowned for its intricate depiction of nature and the symbolic use of flowers
  • "Christ in the House of His Parents" by John Everett Millais (1849-1850), a controversial work that humanized the Holy Family
  • "The Awakening Conscience" by William Holman Hunt (1853), addressing the theme of moral redemption
  • "The Annunciation" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1850), showcasing his interest in medieval spirituality and symbolism
  • "The Last of England" by Ford Madox Brown (1855), a social commentary on emigration and the plight of the working class
  • Common themes included religion, morality, nature, beauty, love, and social issues
  • Often depicted scenes from literature, particularly the works of Shakespeare, Keats, and Tennyson

Cultural Impact and Reception

  • Initially faced criticism and controversy for their unconventional style and subject matter
  • Challenged the prevailing tastes and standards of the Victorian art world
  • Gradually gained recognition and influence, particularly through the support of John Ruskin
  • Inspired a younger generation of artists, such as Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris
  • Contributed to the development of the Aesthetic Movement and the Arts and Crafts Movement
  • Had a lasting impact on the decorative arts, including textile design, book illustration, and stained glass
  • Influenced the development of Art Nouveau and Symbolism in the late 19th century
  • Sparked debates about the role of art in society and the relationship between art and morality

Legacy and Influence

  • Recognized as one of the most significant and influential art movements of the 19th century
  • Paved the way for the development of modern art by challenging academic conventions and emphasizing individuality
  • Inspired later artists, such as the Symbolists and the Art Nouveau movement
  • Contributed to the revival of interest in medieval art, literature, and craftsmanship
  • Influenced the development of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which sought to reform design and craftsmanship
  • Had a lasting impact on the decorative arts, including textile design, book illustration, and stained glass
  • Continues to be celebrated for their technical skill, attention to detail, and symbolic and literary content
  • Paintings and works remain highly valued and widely exhibited in major museums and collections worldwide
  • Romanticism: Shared an emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature
    • Pre-Raphaelites were influenced by Romantic poets like Keats and Tennyson
  • Realism: Both movements sought to depict the world with greater accuracy and attention to detail
    • Pre-Raphaelites differed in their use of symbolism and literary themes
  • Aestheticism: Emphasized the importance of beauty and "art for art's sake"
    • Pre-Raphaelites believed in the moral purpose of art and the importance of sincerity
  • Arts and Crafts Movement: Inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites' interest in medieval craftsmanship and design reform
  • Art Nouveau: Influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites' use of natural forms, flowing lines, and symbolism
  • Symbolism: Shared an interest in using art to convey deeper spiritual and emotional meanings
  • Nazarene Movement: German group of artists who also sought to revive honesty and spirituality in art


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.