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 reject the academic standards of their time and return to the detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of art before the High Renaissance. This group aimed to promote a style that emphasized naturalism, emotional expression, and medieval themes, directly influencing both painting and photography during the Victorian era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood included prominent members like Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt, who collectively sought to challenge the conventional art of their time.
2. They were heavily influenced by literature and mythology, often depicting subjects from works of poetry and literature, which allowed for deep emotional narratives in their artwork.
3. The group's approach encouraged the use of photography as a tool for artistic composition, leading to a strong connection between painting and photography in the 19th century.
4. Their works often featured vibrant colors and intricate details, which contrasted sharply with the more muted tones favored by contemporary academic artists.
5. The influence of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood extended beyond painting into decorative arts and literature, contributing significantly to the Aesthetic Movement.

Review Questions

• How did the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's artistic philosophy challenge the conventions of their time?
  • The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood challenged the conventions of their time by rejecting the traditional academic standards of art that emphasized idealization and historical accuracy. Instead, they focused on naturalism, vivid colors, and intricate detail, creating works that were emotionally expressive and rooted in medieval themes. This movement paved the way for later artistic developments by encouraging artists to draw inspiration from nature and literature rather than solely from classical ideals.
• In what ways did the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood influence photography during the Victorian era?
  • The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood had a significant influence on photography during the Victorian era by promoting a style that emphasized realism and emotional depth. Many photographers adopted techniques similar to those used by the Brotherhood in their paintings, such as careful composition, attention to detail, and rich color palettes. Additionally, some members of the Brotherhood themselves engaged with photography as an art form, using it as a tool for study and inspiration in their own creative processes.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood on subsequent artistic movements and modern visual culture.
  • The long-term impact of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood on subsequent artistic movements is profound. Their emphasis on naturalism and emotional expression influenced later movements like Symbolism and Art Nouveau. Moreover, their innovative use of color and composition set a precedent for modern art practices that prioritize individual interpretation and emotional resonance over strict adherence to academic norms. This shift towards personal expression continues to resonate in contemporary visual culture, where artists explore diverse styles and mediums.

Related terms

Naturalism: An artistic philosophy that emphasizes depicting subjects as they appear in nature, focusing on realistic representation rather than idealized forms.

Victorian Era:

The period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, characterized by industrial expansion, cultural developments, and strict social morals.

Symbolism: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on expressing abstract ideas through symbolic imagery rather than straightforward representation.