Pre-Raphaelite Drawings and Watercolours

Oxford's importance to Pre-Raphaelitism is highlighted in this book, which showcases the Ashmolean's collection of works by the Brotherhood and their associates. The collection includes works by William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and John Ruskin, and is especially rich in portraits and landscapes. It also includes designs for stained glass and furniture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2021
Publisher: Ashmolean Museum

Oxford holds a unique place in the history of Pre-Raphaelitism, thanks to the support and encouragement provided by Thomas Combe (superintendent of the Clarendon Press). At a crucial stage in their careers, Combe's collection became the foundation of the Ashmolean collection, which houses works by the Brotherhood and their associates. Two young undergraduates, William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, were captivated by the Combe collection and became enthusiastic followers of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Together with Dante Gabriel Rossetti, they undertook the decoration of the debating chamber (now known as the Old Library) of the Oxford Union in 1857. John Ruskin, another influential figure in the movement, also studied at Oxford, where he played a key role in the design of the University Museum of Natural History and established the Ruskin School of Drawing. Jane Burden, who would later become the wife of Morris and the muse of Rossetti, was a local girl who first caught their attention at the Oxford Theatre.

Oxford's significance in the Pre-Raphaelite movement has attracted significant bequests and acquisitions, most notably the illustrated letters and paintbrushes of Burne-Jones. The collection of watercolours and drawings showcases a wide range of appealing works, from Hunts early drawings on the back of envelopes to Rossetti's large and elaborate chalk drawings of Jane Morris. It is particularly rich in portraits, which provide intimate glimpses into the artists' friendships and love affairs, and in landscapes that reflect Ruskin's advice to "go to nature."

This book goes beyond being an exhibition catalogue, serving as a magnificent showcase of the Ashmolean's extraordinary collection. It demonstrates the diverse range of Pre-Raphaelite drawing techniques and media employed by the artists, including pencil, pen and ink, chalk, watercolour, bodycolour, and metallic paints. The book will feature comprehensive illustrations of the artworks, providing a deep understanding of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and its impact on art history.

In conclusion, Oxford's rich history and its association with Pre-Raphaelitism have made it a treasure trove of artistic heritage. The support and encouragement provided by Thomas Combe and the subsequent contributions of influential figures such as William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and John Ruskin have shaped the course of art history. The Ashmolean's collection, which includes works by the Brotherhood and their associates, as well as the remarkable drawings and paintings by Burne-Jones and other Pre-Raphaelite artists, continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Weight: 1176g
Dimension: 224 x 280 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910807439