Pre-Raphaelites

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded in 1848. Their artistic beliefs were set out by John Ruskin, the art historian who ardently supported them. Their chief principle was truth to nature: that a painter should draw precisely what he or she sees, and not follow painterly conventions. They saw this as a virtue of painters working before the age of Raphael but subsequently corrupted in more sophisticated art hence the name Pre-Raphaelite and their admiration of Medievalism.<br> <br> This beautiful gift book highlights their masterpieces of drawing, print and illustration, some never before photographed, from the superb collections of the British Museum.

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded in 1848. Their artistic beliefs were set out by John Ruskin, the art historian who ardently supported them.

The chief principle of the Pre-Raphaelite movement was truth to nature: that a painter should draw precisely what they see, and not follow painterly conventions. They saw this as a virtue of painters working before the age of Raphael, but subsequently corrupted in more sophisticated art.

This beautiful gift book highlights the masterpieces of drawing, print and illustration, some never before photographed, from the superb collections of the British Museum.