Millais

"Millais" by A. L. Baldry is a biography written in the late 19th century that explores the life and work of the prominent British painter John Everett Millais. As part of the "Masterpieces in Colour" series, this book delves into Millais's extraordinary artistic achievements and his significant role in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of English artists who aimed to reform the art of their time by returning to the detail and realism seen in works prior to Raphael. It presents an overview of his contributions and the evolution of his style throughout his career. The book chronicles Millais’s early artistic inclinations and rapid rise in the art world, beginning with his childhood and early training in painting. It highlights his groundbreaking approach as a co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood alongside Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Holman Hunt, advocating for truthfulness in art. Baldry not only discusses Millais’s notable works, such as "Ophelia," "The North-West Passage," and "The Order of Release," but also reflects on the controversies and criticisms he faced, particularly from the establishment of his time. Throughout the biography, Baldry emphasizes Millais's technical skill, emotional depth, and enduring impact on British art, concluding with an examination of his legacy after his untimely death in 1896.