An Introduction to the Pre-Raphaelites | National Museums Liverpool

Summary

The Walker Art Gallery houses an exceptional collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, showcasing the detailed and vivid style of the movement. Founded in 1848 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and John Everett Millais, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood rebelled against traditional art norms. Their works often depicted everyday life and drew from literature, such as Rossetti's 'Dante's Dream.' The gallery's 'Isabella' is a key piece, reflecting the brotherhood's early influence. The gallery has been a longstanding supporter of these artists, who remain popular today.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings globally.
• 🖌️ The Pre-Raphaelite style is characterized by intricate details and vivid colors, aiming to achieve a hyper-realistic effect.
• 👨‍🎨 The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was established in 1848 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and John Everett Millais.
• 🏛️ They were influenced by and rebelled against the strict rules of the Royal Academy in London, seeking a new artistic direction.
• 🌟 The Pre-Raphaelites were unique for painting subjects that differed from their contemporaries, often focusing on everyday life and social issues.
• 👩‍🎨 The movement faced criticism for its 'common' themes and highly centralized compositions, which were not favored by the art establishment.
• 📚 The Pre-Raphaelites drew inspiration from literature and poetry, as seen in Dante Gabriel Rossetti's 'Dante's Dream'.
• 🖼️ 'Isabella' is a significant painting in the Walker Art Gallery's collection, being the first to emerge from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
• 🛒 The Walker Art Gallery has been a consistent supporter of the Pre-Raphaelites, with early acquisitions including 'Dante's Dream' purchased directly from Rossetti.
• 🔥 The Pre-Raphaelites remain a popular and influential artist group at the Walker Art Gallery to this day.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Walker Art Gallery's collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings?

The Walker Art Gallery is noted for having one of the best collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world, showcasing examples from all the great Pre-Raphaelites and their followers.

How did the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood begin and who were its founding members?

The Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood was founded in 1848. The three chief members were Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and John Everett Millais.

What was the artistic style of the Pre-Raphaelites?

The Pre-Raphaelites painted in a very hard, detailed style with vivid colors to create a hyper-real effect.

How did the Pre-Raphaelites differ from their contemporaries in terms of subject matter?

The Pre-Raphaelites were unique in painting very different subjects from their contemporaries, often depicting scenes from everyday life and showing a social conscience.

What criticism did the Pre-Raphaelite paintings often face from the establishment?

The criticism of Pre-Raphaelite paintings often centered on them being considered too common, not elevated enough, and highly centralized.

How did literature and poetry influence the Pre-Raphaelite artists?

The Pre-Raphaelites drew influences from literature and poetry, as seen in Dante Gabriel Rossetti's 'Dante's Dream', which was inspired by Dante's poetry and his fascination with the relationship between Beatrice and Dante.

Who were the models for the figures in Rossetti's 'Dante's Dream'?

In 'Dante's Dream', Beatrice was modeled on Jane Morris, the wife of William Morris, and Rossetti's wife Lizzie Siddell also features in the painting.

Why is the painting 'Isabella' considered important in the Walker Art Gallery's collection?

'Isabella' is considered one of the most important paintings in the collection as it was the first painting to emerge from the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood.

What is the narrative depicted in the painting 'Isabella'?

The painting 'Isabella' tells the story of Isabella, who had wealthy Florentine brothers, and her love for Lorenzo, a poor apprentice. The brothers disapproved of their relationship, leading to Lorenzo's death.

How has the Walker Art Gallery supported the Pre-Raphaelites throughout history?

The Walker Art Gallery has always been supportive of the Pre-Raphaelites, with early acquisitions of their works, such as purchasing 'Dante's Dream' directly from Rossetti.

What is the current popularity of the Pre-Raphaelite artists at the Walker Art Gallery?

The Pre-Raphaelite artists remain one of the most popular artist groups at the Walker Art Gallery, as indicated by the ongoing interest and support from visitors.