Pre-Raphaelite

Pre-Raphaelite

Pre-Raphaelite is an artistic movement that emerged in England in the mid-19th century, founded by a group of young artists who sought to challenge the prevailing academic art style of the time. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, as they called themselves, believed in a return to the simplicity, sincerity, and naturalism of art before the time of Raphael, the Italian Renaissance master. They rejected the formalized, idealized approach to art that had become dominant since the Renaissance, instead favoring a more direct, detailed, and faithful representation of nature. Pre-Raphaelite artists drew inspiration from medieval and early Renaissance art, as well as from literature, particularly the works of Shakespeare, Keats, and Tennyson. They often chose subjects from mythology, history, and poetry, imbuing their works with symbolism and moral messages. The Pre-Raphaelites were known for their meticulous attention to detail, vivid colors, and complex compositions. They frequently painted outdoors to capture the natural world more accurately, and they also made use of new pigments and techniques to achieve greater luminosity and realism in their works. The movement had a significant impact on the development of British art in the second half of the 19th century, influencing artists such as Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris, and paving the way for the Aesthetic and Arts and Crafts movements. Despite facing initial criticism for their unconventional approach, the Pre-Raphaelites ultimately gained recognition for their technical skill, innovative style, and commitment to artistic truth.

Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, William Holman Hunt, medievalism, naturalism, symbolism, luminism, Arts and Crafts movement

— John Armstrong