The Art of the Pre-Raphaelites

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Book
Review: The Pre-Raphaelites are one of the oddest and most English groups of artists from the Victorian/Impressionist age. The Art of the Pre-Raphaelites by Elizabeth Prettejohn helped me to understand the motives of the artists concerned (why pre-Raphael as opposed to pre-anyone else?) and their connection to the overall styles of art during the mid-1800s (both in England and abroad). The book is well-written and beautifully illustrated, containing one of the most complete sets of Pre-Raphaelite paintings I've seen in an art book.

Ms Prettejohn does a noble job of defending Pre-Raphaelite art and as a devotee I have no real argument with her position. Nevertheless, I'm not sure I believe that non-appreciation of Pre-Raphaelite art is due only to the heirarchy of Western Art (i.e. it is "politically correct" to prefer Monet to Hunt). It is possible that the Pre-Raphaelites were . . . well . . . just not as good as their Impressionist neighbors. I'm not an Impressionist fan myself. On the other hand, I LIKE Raphael.

Whether or not the Pre-Raphaelites are good or great or master painters, they deserve thorough study. This Ms Prettejohn has accomplished.

Recommendation: It's beautiful. Buy it, especially if you a Pre-Raphaelite devotee.

Rating:
Summary: Worthy addition to any art lover's library
Review: This is a beautifully presented book, with ample glossy pictures on good quality paper, and intelligent comment on the artists and the art. In addition it gives the reader some good background of the times and lives of these wonderful artists.

For a long time Pre-Raphaelite art was dismissed as "ktchy" and sentimental, but even a quick perusal of this book will show you images you recognise and have probably long admired.

It is a lovely book, both a worthy addition to any coffee table collection and also for any well stocked reference library.