Early Life and Career

Sir John Everett Millais, a renowned English painter and illustrator, was born on June 8, 1829, in Southampton, England. As a child prodigy, he became the youngest student to enter the Royal Academy Schools at the age of eleven. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career, which would later establish him as one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

Pre-Raphaelite Movement

Millais's work Christ in the House of His Parents (1849-1850) sparked controversy due to its realistic portrayal of a working-class Holy Family. However, this early success was soon followed by more popular works like A Huguenot (1851-1852), which depicted a young couple's separation due to religious conflicts. These paintings showcased Millais's attention to detail and his focus on the beauty of the natural world.

Later Works and Legacy

As Millais matured, he transitioned from the Pre-Raphaelite style to develop a new form of realism in his art. This shift led to enormous success, making him one of the wealthiest artists of his time. Despite early 20th-century critics viewing his later production as less desirable, recent decades have reevaluated his work, recognizing its predictive nature and advanced tendencies.

Personal Life and Marriages

Millais's personal life played a significant role in his reputation. His marriage to Effie Gray, formerly married to critic John Ruskin, has been linked to his change in style. However, Effie became a powerful promoter of his work, and they collaborated to secure commissions and expand their social and intellectual circles.

Key Works and Collections

* Girl with a Doll (https://WahooArt.com/8XXE78/sir-john-everett-millais-girl-with-a-doll) * Cinderella (https://WahooArt.com/8XX6YS/sir-john-everett-millais-cinderella) * Cherry Ripe (https://WahooArt.com/8XX6FT/sir-john-everett-millais-cherry-ripe)

• View more of Millais's works at WahooArt: https://WahooArt.com/@/Sir-John-Everett-Millais-Bt
• Explore the Pre-Raphaelite movement and its influence on British art: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Raphaelite_Brotherhood
• Discover Millais's biography and artistic legacy at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Everett_Millais

Millais's innovative style and contributions to the Pre-Raphaelite movement have left an indelible mark on British art history.

Early Life and Education

Sir John Everett Millais, a renowned English painter and illustrator, was born on June 8, 1829, in Southampton, England. As a child prodigy, he became the youngest student to enter the Royal Academy Schools at the age of eleven.

Founding of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

In September 1848, Sir John Everett Millais, along with William Holman Hunt and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in his family home on Gower Street, London. This movement sought to revive the style of the early Italian Renaissance.

Notable Works

Some of Sir John Everett Millais' most notable works include:

• Christ in the House of His Parents (1849-1850), a highly controversial piece that showcased his realistic portrayal of a working-class Holy Family.
• A Huguenot (1851-1852), which depicted a young couple about to be separated due to religious conflicts.
• Ophelia (1851-1852), a painting that showcased his dense and elaborate pictorial surfaces, often concentrating on the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
• Mariana (1850-1851), based on the play Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare and the poem of the same name by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

Influence and Later Works

Sir John Everett Millais' later works were influenced by his wife, Effie, who was formerly married to the critic John Ruskin. His style evolved into a broader form of realism, which was initially condemned by Ruskin but later recognized as a significant contribution to the art world.

Museums and Collections

Some of Sir John Everett Millais' works can be found in various museums, including:

• Tate Britain, London, which features The Order of Release (1853) and Ophelia (1852).
• Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, which showcases The Return of the Dove to the Ark (1851).

Legacy

Sir John Everett Millais' legacy extends beyond his art. He was a pioneer in the Pre-Raphaelite movement and a significant figure in the development of British art.

• Learn more about Sir John Everett Millais on WahooArt.com.
• Explore the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and its influence on British art at Wikipedia.

Important Dates: - June 8, 1829: Born in Southampton, England - September 1848: Founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood - August 13, 1896: Passed away