The Pre
Raphaelites
The Pre Raphaelites were a group of English painters
and critics that wanted to eliminate the predictability of academic art and go
for a more direct, intensely coloured and simple approach of Italian painters
before Raphael. Thus they focused to start emulating art from the late medieval
to early Renaissance. The subject of the paintings varied but they drew
inspiration from literary sources that gave them moral themes or stories.
Because of this, they were quite loved by the Victorians. The Pre Raphaelites
grew some controversy as well as they produced works with the subject of
prostitution, religion and emigration as well. The founders of this group were
John Everett, William Holman Hunt and Dante Gabriel.
Ophelia by John Everett 1851-1852
This painting by John Everett depicts the character
of Ophelia from the Shakespeare play “Hamlet”. She is shown to be singing
before drowning. The painting shows a very beautiful and realistic portrayal of
nature. The woman is also highly detailed with a very decorative dress. I find
that there is a balance in tone with her pale white skin and brightly coloured
dress with the dark coloured water beneath her. This helps to bring out the
character more. What I find interesting is the balance of the beauty of nature
with that of death as well. It gives an ironic effect in my opinion. The
balance of value is also present. I believe the dark toned shadows on the
foliage help to enhance the colours more.
An interesting aspect of this
particular painting is that there is a form of a skull on the foliage. Although
there is no evidence if this was intended or not, I find it quite well
placed as it indirectly depicts the faith of Ophelia. This indirectly gives
also a balance with the beauty of the scene.
References
1.) The Pre Raphaelites Brotherhood, Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Raphaelite_Brotherhood [18 October 2014
2.) Meagher, The Pre Raphaelites, Available from: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/praf/hd_praf.htm [18 October 2014]
3.) Tate, Opehial's Symbolism, Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/learn/online-resources/ophelia/subject-and-meaning/ophelias-symbolism [18 October 2014]
