Pre-Raphaelite

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, founded in 1848 in England, was a group of English painters, poets, and critics who sought to revolt against the prevailing art standards of their time. Disenchanted with the formulaic and what they considered the artificial approach of artists influenced by Raphael and the High Renaissance, they endeavored to return to the rich detailing, intense colors, and complex compositions of Quattrocento Italian art.

Key figures in this movement included Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt. They sought to capture intense and often quasi-religious passion in their works, drawing inspiration from medieval culture, nature, and literature, particularly the works of Shakespeare, Keats, and Tennyson. Their paintings are characterized by vivid colors, intricate detail, romantic and sometimes morbid themes, and an interest in naturalism.

The Pre-Raphaelites placed great emphasis on the symbolic content of their paintings. Their works often contained elaborate metaphors and a high level of detail, with every element loaded with meaning. They were also known for their innovative techniques, including using bright, clear colors and painting on a white background to make the colors more vibrant.