The Pre-Raphaelite Artists

In the middle of the nineteenth century, a small group of British artists made a decision to bring back a more pronounced “truth to nature” in their art. Ford Madox Brown, Edward Burne-Jones, William Holman Hunt, John Millais and Dante Gabriel Rossetti are the best-known artists of the pre-Raphaelite movement. Many of their contemporaries revered the art of Renaissance master Raphael and, in an effort to rebel against the formality of academic art, the group of artists strove to emulate the style of Renaissance artists who preceded Raphael. The group became a secret society known as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their art was first exhibited in 1849. Pre-Raphaelite artists chose their subject matter from the Bible, the legend of King Arthur and from Shakespearean literature. Their work was characterized by bright colors and deep, symbolic meanings.

To help students become familiar with the work of various pre-Raphaelite artists, copy at least 15 different images (2 copies of each image) and shrink them on a copy machine so that they measure 2” x 2” or 3” x 3”. Paste them onto construction paper so that the images cannot be seen through the paper. You may choose to laminate the cards so that you can use them repeatedly. Mix up the cards and place them face down on a table, in five rows of six. Have students play a game of Memory. When they match a pair, have them state the name of the painting and its artist.

Have students select their favorite pre-Raphaelite painting and write a poem about it. You may choose to have them write a Found Poem in which they alternate lines from another poem with original lines.  Try referencing some of the poets favored by the pre-Raphaelites themselves including Tennyson and Keats.

Have students research the Victorian era of which the pre-Raphaelite movement was a part. Have them construct a timeline of significant events of the era including the formation of the pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, their exhibition and the like. What follows are more lessons on the pre-Raphaelite movement.

The Pre-Raphaelite Movement:

Flower Symbolism

This lesson will help students identify flowers and their symbolism which featured prominently in the art of the Victorian and pre-Raphaelite eras. Students conduct a web quest in this activity, but the lesson can also be adapted to include more independent research and projects.

Multiple Readings on Hamlet

A study of the pre-Raphaelite era is well-suited to be included in any study of Shakespeare. Particularly relevant to a reading of "Hamlet" is a study of Sir John Everett Millais’ painting "Ophelia."

British and American Artists at the Musee d' Orsay

Some excellent background information is available on the Musee d’Orsay’s website which offers a thorough analysis of the movement, its history and the artists themselves. The pre-Raphaelites’ American contemporaries are also explored in this resource which allows students to compare and contrast them.