Leaving home, Ford Madox Brown's The Last of England

Summary

This video explores Ford Madox Brown's famous painting, 'The Last of England,' depicting an immigrant family leaving England in the 1840s-1850s. The painting, associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, captures a moment of hardship and migration, reflecting the artist's commitment to 'truth to nature.' With meticulous attention to detail, Brown highlights the figures' emotional states and the cold, chaotic environment, emphasizing themes of patriarchy, class, and survival. The painting also comments on the challenges faced by artists in the mid-19th century, showcasing Brown's careful handling of light, texture, and form.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ford Maddox Brown's painting 'The Last of England' depicts an immigrant family leaving England, illustrating themes of migration and hardship.
• 😀 The painting is influenced by the pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, especially the emphasis on 'truth to nature' as articulated by art critic Ruskin.
• 😀 Brown carefully renders light in the painting, aiming for a realistic depiction of natural lighting, such as the cold, overcast day.
• 😀 Brown painted portions of the work outdoors, even noting how cold weather allowed him to capture the blue tones of skin in cold conditions.
• 😀 The 1840s and 1850s saw a significant wave of immigration due to economic hardships, including strikes, unemployment, and hunger in England.
• 😀 The figures in the painting, while depicting a middle-class family, are modeled after Brown and his wife, Emma.
• 😀 There are religious references in the composition, such as the halo-like circles around the woman's head, reminiscent of the holy family in religious paintings.
• 😀 The painting reflects Victorian ideas of gender roles, with the woman shown as dependent on her husband's strength to protect and support the family.
• 😀 The artwork addresses the social class dynamics of the time, with a visible contrast between the more middle-class couple and the lower-class figures in the background.
• 😀 Brown's attention to detail is evident in the precise rendering of textures, such as the fabric of the clothing, droplets on objects, and the movement of wind and water.
• 😀 The pre-Raphaelite principle of painting with attention to nature's truth is exemplified in the detailed depiction of the woman's cloak, with particular care given to the tassels.
• 😀 The painting not only captures a family's personal struggle but also symbolizes the larger economic and societal storms faced by the working class in England during this period.

Q & A

What is the significance of Ford Madox Brown's painting 'The Last of England'?

Ford Madox Brown's painting 'The Last of England' is a powerful depiction of an immigrant family leaving England during the mid-19th century. It symbolizes the hardship of emigrants seeking a better life, influenced by the socio-economic struggles of the time, particularly the 'hungry forties' period in England.

What is the connection between Ford Madox Brown and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood?

Ford Madox Brown was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists who sought to create art that was 'truthful to nature,' as advocated by art critic John Ruskin. Brown's attention to light, texture, and detail in 'The Last of England' reflects this philosophy.

How does Brown's painting reflect the idea of 'truth to nature'?

Brown's 'The Last of England' reflects 'truth to nature' through the careful handling of light, particularly the overcast light typical of the scene, and the accurate rendering of textures such as fabric, skin, and water droplets. These elements emphasize realism and the natural world.

Why did Ford Madox Brown paint portions of 'The Last of England' outdoors?

Ford Madox Brown painted portions of the work outdoors to capture the authentic details of the scene. He wanted to achieve a realistic representation of the cold, which influenced the skin tones of the figures, a detail he noted in his diary as being particularly noticeable during chilly conditions.

What historical context influenced 'The Last of England'?

The historical context of 'The Last of England' includes the wave of immigration during the 1840s and 1850s, when many people left England for better prospects in places like the United States and Australia. This period was marked by economic hardship, strikes, unemployment, and food scarcity, contributing to the desire to emigrate.

How does the painting reflect Victorian views on gender roles and family?

In 'The Last of England,' the painting reflects Victorian ideals of patriarchy and gendered roles. The woman is portrayed as relying on her husband for strength, shown by her tightly grasped hand. The painting portrays her maternal role and devotion to family, while the husband represents the protector and head of the family.

How are the figures in the background of the painting significant?

The figures in the background, such as a grocer’s family, a man smoking a pipe, and others, help to illustrate the social diversity aboard the ship. They represent people from different social classes, with the man shaking his fist at the white cliffs of England symbolizing anger at the country that failed to provide for him.

What artistic techniques did Ford Madox Brown employ in the painting?

Ford Madox Brown employed a highly detailed and meticulous painting style, showcasing his commitment to realism. He paid great attention to textures, such as the fabric of the woman’s cloak, droplets of water on ropes, and the effect of wind on the woman’s ribbons, creating a unified yet chaotic composition.

What is the symbolic significance of the family in 'The Last of England'?

The family in 'The Last of England' can be seen as a symbol of both personal and national struggle. The family’s departure from England reflects the broader social and economic struggles faced by many during the 19th century, emphasizing the emotional weight of emigration during difficult times.

How does the painting blend elements of religious symbolism?

The painting subtly incorporates religious symbolism, such as the halo-like series of concentric circles around the woman's head, referencing the holy family. This religious reference imbues the scene with a sense of sanctity, underscoring the seriousness and emotional gravity of the family's departure.