The Pre-Raphaelite Movement

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, founded in 1848, revolutionized Victorian art and literature with a return to early Renaissance detail, naturalism, and spiritual richness. Key figures like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris infused their works with vivid symbolism and themes of romance, morality, and medievalism. Their legacy influenced subsequent movements and continues to resonate in the arts today.

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The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: Foundations and Philosophies

In 1848, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was established by a group of young artists and poets who sought to defy the artistic conventions of the Victorian era. They were inspired by the art and values that preceded the influence of the High Renaissance artist Raphael, hence their name. The Brotherhood's ideals were shaped by the critiques of John Ruskin, who opposed the British Royal Academy of Arts' promotion of Raphael's style. Founding members Dante Gabriel Rossetti, his brother William Michael Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, James Collinson, Frederic George Stephens, and Thomas Woolner, strived to rejuvenate art by focusing on meticulous realism, fidelity to nature, and the infusion of moral and spiritual truths.
Ophelia from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' depicted in a Pre-Raphaelite oil painting, serene in a white gown amidst a lush, flower-speckled river setting.

Artistic Innovation and the Pre-Raphaelite Aesthetic

The Pre-Raphaelite movement represented a radical departure from the artistic norms of the time, advocating for a return to the detail-oriented and spiritually rich art of the early Renaissance. Their works were marked by vivid naturalism, intricate symbolism, and often included themes of romance and medievalism. The Brotherhood's paintings frequently depicted religious and moral narratives, executed with an intensity of detail and color that challenged conventional notions of beauty. Despite facing significant criticism from contemporaries like Charles Dickens, the Pre-Raphaelites' dedication to their vision contributed to the evolution of art, though internal disagreements led to the group's fragmentation in the 1850s.

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1

In ______, a group of young artists and poets formed the ______ ______ to challenge Victorian artistic norms.

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1848 Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

2

The ______ ______'s principles were influenced by ______ ______, who criticized the British Royal Academy of Arts' endorsement of ______'s artistic style.

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Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood John Ruskin Raphael

3

Pre-Raphaelite movement's origin period

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Mid-19th century, advocating for early Renaissance art revival.

4

Key themes in Pre-Raphaelite works

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Romance, medievalism, religious and moral narratives.

5

Outcome of Pre-Raphaelite internal disagreements

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Led to the fragmentation of the Brotherhood in the 1850s.

6

The ______ Brotherhood's impact reached into literature, inspiring works filled with intricate allegories and a blend of medieval and symbolic elements.

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Pre-Raphaelite

7

______'s 'Goblin Market' is noted for its vivid descriptions and themes of ______ and ______, mirroring the group's focus on human experiences.

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Christina Rossetti temptation redemption

8

Pre-Raphaelite authenticity commitment

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Sought true depiction of nature, rejecting idealized artistic conventions of their time.

9

Influence on Aesthetic and Arts and Crafts movements

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Inspired focus on beauty and craftsmanship, leading to design and decorative arts reform.

10

Pre-Raphaelites' 'List of Immortals'

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Ranked historical figures by excellence, reflecting engagement with past and present art.

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