The paintings of the Pre-Raphaelites shocked contemporary society and still fascinate today. The members of the group, which was active in England in the mid-19th century, turned against what they perceived as the insipid, artificial artistic ideals of the day, instead seeking earnestness and honesty in art. And indeed, in their depictions of contemporary England they instilled a social commitment that was as radical as it was strong. Many of their paintings also show historical scenes of love, passion, life and death. In style, their work is noted for its predominantly decorative idiom, making use of brilliant, clear colours and a stylised ideal of beauty. The border between dream and reality is frequently blurred.

The members of the group described themselves as Pre-Raphaelites since they took their artistic ideals from the art of the 15th century, i.e. from the period before the Renaissance painter, Raphael. The group’s most prominent members were Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais and William Holman Hunt.

The exhibition shows more than 170 works from this golden age of English art.

Discussion