http://www.artstyles.org/canvas-artworks/
Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood – The History
Pre-Raphaelite was an art movement started in 1848 in London, by a group of young English painters, critics, and poets, against the mechanistic approach of Mannerism. The term ‘Pre-Raphaelite’ stems from the group’s rejection of Raphael’s (Italy, 1483-1520) Renaissance art style, and their fascination for the Medieval Art of the 14th century. John Everett Millais (painter, 1829-96), Dante Gabriel Rossetti (poet & painter, 1828-82), and William Holman Hunt (painter, 1827-1910) founded the genre. The group soon expanded into a seven member ‘brotherhood’ with William Michael Rossetti (art critic, 1829-1919), James Collinson (painter, 1825-81), Frederic George Stephens (art critic, 1828-1907), and Thomas Woolner (sculptor & poet, 1825-92). Soon, umpteen associated artists, such as Ford Madox Brown (painter, 1821-93), Arthur Hughes (painter, 1832-1915), John Brett (painter, 1831-1902), and Philip Calderon (painter, 1833-98), joined the society. Few artists, such as James Campbell (painter, 1828-93), John Collier (painter, 1850-1934), John Lee (painter, 1850-70), and others chose to work independently, loosely adopting and influencing the ‘brotherhood’ principles.
Hunt and Millais were the students of Royal Academy of Arts, the ‘Rules for Painting’ of which, the Pre-Raphaelites scorned. All the artists of the genre signed their works with ‘PRB’ initials, along with their respective name. The group also published a periodical ‘The Germ’ and ‘Pre-Raphaelite Journal’ to stay connected to their associates.
The Details
Pre-Raphaelitism was all about expressing absolute, uncompromising truth by a meticulous rendition of the subject to the smallest detail. The landscapes were painted to the last touch and the portraits were replicated to every minute accessory. Their aim was to go back to the medieval art culture from the slovenly and imperfect style of Mannerism. Pre-Raphaelites viewed art as a means to convey high moral principles and ideals to the people, resulting in artwork related to moral and religious themes. Pre-Raphaelites were artisans, who believed in completeness and not just the decoration of canvas in bright colors.
The Artworks
• “Isabella” (1849), “Christ In The House of His Parents” (1850) – John Millais
• “Rienzi” (1849), “The Shadow of Death” (1873), “The Miracle of The Holy Fire” (1899) – Holman Hunt
• “Girlhood of Mary Virgin” (1849), “Ecce Ancilla Domini” (1850), “A Vision of Fiammetta” (1878) – Gabriel Rossetti
• “The Landlady” (1856), “The Holy Family” (1878) – James Collinson
Conclusion
The formation of the society and its prime belief that the principles on which art has been taught over the years are wrong, has received heavy criticism from across the world. Nevertheless, the pictures painted on their principles are the great works of art that have received extensive popularity. The basic principle of Pre-Raphaelitism, to capture total truth instead of abstracts of truth, was a laborious requirement, which restricted the artists’ creativity, including the art movement.
Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. Please visit the website at http://www.Labedzki-Art.com It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited.