The Pre-Raphaelites: Their Lives and Works in 500 Images: A study of the artists, their lives and context, with 500 images, and a gallery showing 300 of their most iconic paintings

by Michael Robinson

This is an essential volume for anyone wanting to learn more about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their ethos, and offers the opportunity to study their greatest works in one beautiful collection. This impressive new book opens by looking at key Pre-Raphaelite artists in turn, documenting the artists' lives and the development of their talents. Includes a stunning gallery of more than 290 Pre-Raphaelite works.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Pre Raphaelite

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 16, 2012

Reviews

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a bit irritating having to keep pausing when reading the earlier chapters to look up pieces that weren't pictured on the pages on which they were discussed, but were rather featured in the later "gallery" chapters. Some images would have benefited from more page space too. But, overall, a beautifully illustrated and high-quality book full of detailed information and anecdotes about a wide array of Pre-Raphaelite artists. Exactly what I was hoping for when I picked it up.

[Deborah Siddoway · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joy of this book is in the accompanying catalogue of pictures. The information given at the start of the book is useful , however, there are a few factual errors, and some editorial errors that really should have been picked up which really irked. Most people who know me know that I am fascinated by the era, so this book, which was a gift, has made a good addition to my collection of PRB books.

[Metin Yılmaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiç bilmediğim bir grup kardeşlik gönüllüsünü ve onların eserlerini inceleme şansı bulduğum için mutluyum. İş Bankası yayınlarının bu serisi hakikaten çok iyi çevirileriyle devam ediyor. Beklediğim ressamlar var bu seriden örneğin Raffael ne zaman çıkacak merakla bekliyorum.

[Joelle Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tries to cover a lot of territory, and it does so quite well as far as the text is concerned. Unfortunately, the images were not very crisp, some appearing almost blurry, and many that had an overly reddish or greenish tone to them.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite painters, and seeing an exhibit on loan from England while it was at The Delaware museum of Art. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, as they named their group, consisted of painters who wanted a realistic approach to painting people and places, using nature's appeal and a wide range of rich colors in their creations.
I enjoyed the beautiful color images of the artwork, especially those of Gabriel Rossetti. I also enjoyed reading about the painters' lives and the lives of some of their models.

[Margaret Conmey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is divided into 2 parts
The first section a brief overview of the life and artistic development and the most famous Pre-Raphaelite artists
The section section is a gallery of 500 o paintings by pre-Raphaelite artists
I agree with the previous review in that it was annoying to have work referenced in the text without a copy of the painting and I also had to stop to search for a copy of the painting
OK as an introduction to the pre- Raphaelites and their work but very much a ‘ beginners guide’.

[Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

An essential volume for anyone wanting a deep dive into the lives of 19th century Pre-Raphaelite artists and their art.

The editor has completed the daunting task of assembling this book with most of the renderings more clear and more vibrant than you will find in other books on this period.

If you wish information on the lives and art of both major and minor Pre-Raphaelite artists, this is your book.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful colour pictures and good brief overviews about the artists’ work and personal lives. A very good introduction to the Pre Raphaelites.

[Carol S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible introduction. A joy to hold

[José Rafael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much Rossetti.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeously detailed book about the lives and works of the Pre-Raphaelites and others in their circle, combined with beautiful versions of their works.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, pleased I found this brilliant book. Great source for someone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the Pre-Raphaelites. The first half profiles the artists — John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and other artists associated with the movement. The second half is The Gallery. Almost 300 images of Pre-Raphaelite paintings are included here structured around the movement’s different stages, starting with A New Aesthetic (1847-1854), and ending with The final years, after 1890. A valuable and beautiful source book for the library.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I now know that I prefer later art from this period than earlier, and that I really like WH Hunt's paintings of Egypt.