Pre-Raphaelite: 1848-1920s

In 1848 the Pre-Raphaelite art movement was formed by Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais, along with a small group of young English artists who reacted strongly against what they felt to be 'the frivolous art of the day'. The group decided to form a secret society, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, aimed at rediscovering the style of painting prior to the time of Raphael's 'grand manner'. The Brotherhood believed that the simplicity of 15^th century art reflected a higher moral standing than the theatricality displayed by Raphael during the High Renaissance, and their truth to nature outweighed the Victorian pageantry and hypocrisy of the academic art tradition.

When the existence of the secret brotherhood became known after their first works were exhibited in 1849, there was widespread indignation that the name implied they were better than Raphael. The religious and realist themes were also considered oppressive in comparison to popular historical works. However, influential critic John Ruskin supported them and the Royal Academy continued to exhibit the paintings, both ensuring that beyond 1852 the movement's popularity flourished.

The artists looked to medieval scenes and gallant subjects for inspiration so paintings usually had a serious religious or romantic theme. The style was precisely focused and the artists had a unique tendency to paint everything from direct observation, which often resulted in what has been considered an incongruous mix of realism and elaborate symbolism.

Despite initial criticism, the Pre-Raphaelite movement was incredibly successful during the Victorian era, and continued to be popular into the early 20^th century.