Entering the Royal Academy Schools at the age of eleven, John Everett Millais remains the youngest student ever admitted to the institution. Born in Southampton in 1829, he emerged as a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, challenging contemporary academic standards through a rigid focus on naturalism and intricate detail that defined his early career.
Early Development and the Brotherhood
Raised in a family with strong ties to Jersey, Millais moved to London to pursue artistic training. In September 1847, he established the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood with William Holman Hunt and Dante Gabriel Rossetti at his family home on Gower Street. His early works, including Christ in the House of His Parents and Ophelia, prioritized precise detail and historical accuracy, often sparking public controversy due to their departure from conventional compositions.
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In 1855, Millais married Effie Gray following the annulment of her marriage to critic John Ruskin. This period coincided with a notable shift in his artistic approach. Moving away from the dense, detailed style of his youth, he adopted a broader technique. While critics like William Morris viewed this evolution as a commercial compromise, Millais maintained that his stylistic transition represented a maturation of his artistic confidence and a desire for greater painterly boldness.
Later Career and Legacy
By the 1870s, Millais incorporated influences from Old Masters, including Velázquez and Joshua Reynolds, into his historical paintings. His productivity supported his large family and secured his position within the British art establishment. He served as President of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1896, the same year he died at his home in Palace Gate, London. He is buried at St Paul's Cathedral.
Fast facts
- Born: 1829, Southampton
- Died: 1896, London
- Education: Royal Academy of Arts, Heatherley School of Fine Art
- Movement: Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Symbolism
- Notable Works: Ophelia, Mariana, The Order of Release
- Positions: President of the Royal Academy of Arts
- Awards: Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Burial Site: St Paul's Cathedral
Questions readers ask
Why did Millais change his painting style?
While contemporary critics accused him of prioritizing commercial success, Millais argued that he developed a bolder, more confident technique over time, influenced by artists such as Rembrandt and Velázquez.
What was the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood?
Founded in 1847 by Millais, William Holman Hunt, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, it was an art movement centered on naturalism, intense detail, and a focus on historical or literary subjects.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Notable work: Ophelia
- Notable work: Christ in the House of His Parents
- Notable work: Isabella
- Notable work: Autumn Leaves
- Movement: Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and Symbolism
