Pre-Raphaelites

Founded in 1848 as a secret society , the Pre-Raphaelites rejected classical ideals and the dominant artistic genre painting of their era for what they saw as a more spiritual, sincere, and naturalistic approach. Founded by William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti , they evolved into a seven-member “brotherhood” that included poets and critics as well as painters. Moving away from the classical compositions exemplified by Raphael (hence the group’s name), the Pre-Raphaelites rather turned to medieval culture and the jewel-like colors of Quattrocento art for inspiration. Their principal themes were initially religious, but also included subjects from literature and poetry , as exemplified by Sir John Everett Millais’s famous Ophelia , drawn from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Inspired by the theories of John Ruskin, they were also committed to the close study of nature. This book presents key works from the Pre-Raphaelite group to introduce their reactionary principles, their dazzling colors, their interest in love, death, and nature , and their extensive influence on latter-day Symbolism and beyond.

This is an essential volume for anyone wanting to learn more about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their ethos, and offers the opportunity to study their greatest works in one beautiful collection. This impressive new book opens by looking at key Pre-Raphaelite artists in turn, documenting the artists' lives and the development of their talents. Includes a stunning gallery of more than 290 Pre-Raphaelite works.

This is an essential volume for anyone wanting to learn more about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their ethos, and offers the opportunity to study their greatest works in one beautiful collection. This impressive new book opens by looking at key Pre-Raphaelite artists in turn, documenting the artists' lives and the development of their talents. Includes a stunning gallery of more than 290 Pre-Raphaelite works.

Founded in 1848 as a secret society , the Pre-Raphaelites rejected classical ideals and the dominant artistic genre painting of their era for what they saw as a more spiritual, sincere, and naturalistic approach. Founded by William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti , they evolved into a seven-member “brotherhood” that included poets and critics as well as painters. Moving away from the classical compositions exemplified by Raphael (hence the group’s name), the Pre-Raphaelites rather turned to medieval culture and the jewel-like colors of Quattrocento art for inspiration. Their principal themes were initially religious, but also included subjects from literature and poetry , as exemplified by Sir John Everett Millais’s famous Ophelia , drawn from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Inspired by the theories of John Ruskin, they were also committed to the close study of nature. This book presents key works from the Pre-Raphaelite group to introduce their reactionary principles, their dazzling colors, their interest in love, death, and nature , and their extensive influence on latter-day Symbolism and beyond.