Pre-Raphaelite Art
When discussing what is pre-raphaelite art, the term refers to any prejudice towards paintings produced by the Brothers Grimm. The Pre-Raphaelites were a group of English artists, poets, and writers, founded in 1848 by William Holman Hunt. They drew their inspiration from classical paintings of the French Revolution era and the works of Old Masters such as Nicoli, Giotto, Rembrandt, Rubens, and others. This collection of artists included members such as: Lorenzo Fontana, Jan Gossa, John Keats, Oscar Wilde, Robert Graves, and Oscar Schindler.
Pre-Raphaelites strove to create works of art that were void of symbolism or subject matter. They avoided paintings such as Manet’s The Night Watch, where he describes rising and setting of the sun-ray, thus creating a mystery for the viewer. John Keats used the title of his Requiem for a more morbid effect. His Requiem for himself was called, An Ideal Way of Being. However, many artists including Lorenzo Fontana avoided any symbolism in their work.
Pre-Raphaelite Art strove in the creation of artwork that had aesthetic value, but also communicated something about social justice, politics, or spirituality. The Pre-Raphaelites were the first major political organization in Europe to support art, seeing it as an important means of spreading a liberal and democratic form of religion in Europe.
They also funded many artists who followed their lead. These artists included such notables as Honor Rollinson, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Paul Gauguin, and Edouard Depardon. In fact, some of the most well-known painters of the 20th century, such as Pablo Picasso, Yves Saint Laurent, Edouard Depardon, and Paul Gauguin, were actually funded by the Pre-aphaelites.
The Pre-Raphaelites had several common characteristics. They were mostly artists from France, which helped them to promote works from other European artists, while still maintaining their unique identity. They also held political views, sometimes separating themselves into two groups, one conservative, the other more radical.
They were very aware of the importance of art, and often spoke of it at national, international, and local levels. Often these artists made their statements in terms of their
patriotism, such as with their art.
The Pre-Raphaelites encouraged a return to classic styles of art. They were opposed to Abstract Expressionism, considered by many to be a failed experiment, and favored traditional art styles, such as Classical Art, which they considered to be the pinnacle of artistic achievement.
They also were great critics of commercialism, viewing in films and in other mediums advertising as a distraction from the beauties of nature. Their works, some of which you can see on display in art galleries across the United States, are filled with symbolic images, sometimes quite strange, sometimes disturbing.
Many Pre-Raphaelites held positions of power in government, publishing their works, and practicing their religion, synagogues, and schools. All this, at times, created controversy, as people of the new age accused the Pre-Raphaelites of turning to satanic cults, animal sacrifice, and other practices they considered devilish.
One of the most famous paintings by the Pre-aphaelites was The Two Loves, which was completed by William Blake in 1812. The painting itself contains a number of double meanings, for example, the left hand figure in the lower panel is shown as the lover, the right hand as the husband, and then finally, the hidden meaning is that he is both lover and husband at the same time. This work has become well known, as well as the other works from the Pre-Raphaelite group of artists. In fact, many artists associated themselves with the Pre-Raphaelites.
The medium of painting itself was very different from the Pre-Raphaelites’ medium of oils, since the latter was stiff and costly. However, the Pre-Raphaelites knew how to mix paint, and so they often used oils and watercolor to produce beautiful works.
In addition, they enjoyed fine art paintings, such as Mona Lisa and The Virgin of Louvain. Some Pre-Raphaelites later painted the masterpieces Rubaiyad and Taj Mahal. Their works still enjoy popularity today.
There are many examples of Pre-Raphaelite art throughout the world. They have influenced artists such as Degas, Manet, Monet, Warhol, Monet, and others. Their works, some of which you can see on display in art museums around the world, have inspired many artists, many of whom have incorporated elements of Pre-Raphaelite art in their own paintings.
In fact, some of the most famous painters and critics in the world, such as Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon, have said that they actually learned from the Pre-Raphaelites. Their works still sell well, and there are many reproductions available for those interested in the artwork of the Pre-Raphaelites.