05/28/2026
Art in England during the 19th century was characterized by several diverse movements and interests. It witnessed the development of Romanticism, which gave way to Victorian-era social realism. This was during a time when the country underwent powerful industrialization, which revealed social change and a move toward more realism in art. Literary themes also became integrated into the subject of these paintings. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century also looked to literary works along with medieval themes as a basis for their artwork. Vibrant color, detail, and a strong focus on naturalism were also apparent in their artwork. After the 1851 Great Exhibition, photography and new printing techniques influenced both the accuracy and dissemination of art in England. Later in the century, the Arts and Crafts Movement was seen as a reaction against industrialization and a means of supporting traditional craftsmanship. The above movements and important artists of the time including JMW Turner, John Constable, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti will be discussed in this virtual docent-led talk.
