Understanding the Post-Raphaelite Movement in Art
The term "Post-Raphaelite" was coined by art historian and critic, John Ruskin in the 19th century to describe a group of artists who were influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement, but who rejected some of its central tenets. The Pre-Raphaelite movement, which emerged in the 1840s, emphasized beauty, detail, and emotion in art, and sought to challenge the dominant artistic styles of the time.
Post-Raphaelite artists, such as Edward Burne-Jones, William Holman Hunt, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, continued to explore the themes of beauty, detail, and emotion in their work, but they also began to experiment with new techniques and styles. They were influenced by a range of sources, including medieval art, Renaissance art, and the Gothic Revival movement.
Some key characteristics of Post-Raphaelite art include:
1. Use of vivid colors and intricate details: Post-Raphaelite artists continued to emphasize the importance of color and detail in their work, as seen in the intricate patterns and bright hues used in Burne-Jones' paintings.
2. Interest in mythology and literature: Many Post-Raphaelite artists drew inspiration from mythology and literature, as seen in Rossetti's paintings based on Dante's Divine Comedy.
3. Experimentation with new techniques: Post-Raphaelite artists were interested in exploring new techniques and styles, such as the use of glazes and layering to achieve a sense of depth and luminosity in their work.
4. Emphasis on emotion and psychology: Post-Raphaelite artists were interested in exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of their subjects, as seen in Hunt's paintings of religious figures.
Overall, the Post-Raphaelite movement represented a continuation of the Pre-Raphaelite ideals, but with a greater emphasis on experimentation and innovation.