Isabella (Millais painting)

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John Everett Millais - Isabella

Isabella is a painting by John Everett Millais, one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which was a group of English painters, poets, and critics, founded in 1848. The painting, also known as Isabella and the Pot of Basil, is based on the poem Isabella, or the Pot of Basil by John Keats, which itself was inspired by a story from Boccaccio's Decameron. Millais's work is renowned for its intricate detail, vibrant colors, and its faithful adherence to the Pre-Raphaelite principles of depicting nature with great accuracy. It was completed in 1849, marking an early phase in the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

Description

The painting depicts a scene from Keats's poem where Isabella and her lover, Lorenzo, are discovered by her brothers. In the story, Isabella falls in love with Lorenzo, a young man employed by her family. However, her brothers disapprove of the match due to Lorenzo's lower social status and eventually murder him. Unbeknownst to them, Isabella is guided to Lorenzo's grave by his ghost, where she exhumes his head and places it in a pot of basil, which she lovingly tends. The painting captures the moment of the lovers' secret meeting, with a focus on the emotional intensity between them. Millais's attention to detail is evident in the depiction of the characters and the surrounding environment, which includes a variety of symbolic elements that enhance the narrative depth of the scene.

Themes and Analysis

Isabella is rich in themes and symbolism, reflecting the Pre-Raphaelite fascination with medieval stories, chivalry, and moral lessons. The painting explores themes of love, tragedy, and the clash between individual desires and societal norms. The use of vivid colors and meticulous detail not only serves to beautify the scene but also to imbue it with symbolic meaning. For example, the pot of basil in the foreground, though not yet the macabre relic it becomes in the poem, symbolizes Isabella's undying love for Lorenzo and her mourning. The inclusion of various objects around the table, each with its own symbolic significance, adds layers of meaning to the painting, inviting viewers to delve deeper into its narrative and thematic complexity.

Reception

Upon its exhibition, Isabella received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its innovative approach and attention to detail, while others criticized it for what they perceived as its overly meticulous nature and departure from traditional painting styles. Despite this, Isabella has come to be appreciated as a seminal work in the Pre-Raphaelite canon, celebrated for its pioneering spirit and its role in challenging the artistic norms of the time.

Legacy

The painting Isabella has had a lasting impact on the art world, influencing not only the Pre-Raphaelite movement but also future generations of artists. It exemplifies the Pre-Raphaelite commitment to narrative depth, visual richness, and emotional intensity. Today, Isabella is considered a masterpiece of British art, held in high regard for its technical excellence and its poignant storytelling. It continues to be studied and admired for its contribution to the development of modern art and its enduring beauty.