Who were the Pre-Raphaelite painters and what was their contribution to the art world?

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English painters, poets, and critics founded in 1848. They sought to revive the style and techniques of art that existed before the Renaissance, hence the name 'Pre-Raphaelite.' The group was founded by William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who were later joined by several other artists.

The Pre-Raphaelites were known for their highly detailed, colorful, and complex works that often depicted literary, historical, or religious subjects. They emphasized nature, realism, and emotional expression in their paintings, and their works were often criticized for their lack of conventional beauty.

The Pre-Raphaelites made significant contributions to the art world by challenging the traditional academic style of painting that dominated in the mid-19th century. They paved the way for the Arts and Crafts movement, and their emphasis on naturalism and symbolism influenced the Art Nouveau movement in the late 19th century. They were also important in the development of book illustration and design.

Some of the most famous Pre-Raphaelite painters include William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, and Ford Madox Brown. Their legacy can be seen in the works of many artists who followed, and their influence can still be felt in the world of art today.

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English painters, poets, and art critics, founded in 1848 by William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Michael Rossetti, James Collinson, Frederic George Stephens and Thomas Woolner who formed a seven-member "Brotherhood" modelled in part on the Nazarene movement. The Brotherhood was only ever a loose association and their principles were shared by other artists of the time, including Ford Madox Brown, Arthur Hughes and Marie Spartali Stillman.

The Pre-Raphaelites were a reaction against the idealized and artificial style of painting that was popular in the early 19th century. They sought to return to a more realistic and truthful style of painting, inspired by the art of the early Renaissance. They also emphasized the importance of poetry and literature in their work, and often painted scenes from literature or mythology.

The Pre-Raphaelites were initially met with hostility and ridicule from the art establishment, but their work eventually gained widespread popularity. They are now considered to be one of the most important and influential art movements of the 19th century.

Some of the most famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings include:

• Ophelia by John Everett Millais (1851–2)
• The Awakening Conscience by William Holman Hunt (1853)
• The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse (1888)
• Proserpine by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1874)
• The Golden Stairs by Edward Burne-Jones (1880)

The Pre-Raphaelites made a significant contribution to the art world in a number of ways. First, they helped to revive interest in the art of the early Renaissance. Second, they emphasized the importance of realism and truthfulness in painting. Third, they promoted the use of poetry and literature as inspiration for art. Fourth, they helped to break down the barriers between different art forms, such as painting, poetry, and music. Fifth, they inspired a new generation of artists to follow their lead.

The Pre-Raphaelites were a complex and influential group of artists. Their work continues to be admired and studied today.