Millais refers to Sir John Everett Millais, an English painter and illustrator who was prominent during the Victorian era. He was born on June 8, 1829, in Southampton, England, and passed away on August 13, 1896, in Kensington, London. Millais was a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists who aimed to revive the detailed, vibrant style seen in early Renaissance art. His works were characterized by their intricate attention to detail, vivid colors, and realistic representation of subjects.
Millais gained recognition for his skillful portrayal of historical, biblical, and literary themes. His notable works include "Ophelia," which depicts the tragic character from Shakespeare's Hamlet floating in a river, and "Christ in the House of His Parents," illustrating a young Jesus in a carpentry workshop. He was highly regarded for his technical prowess, using a meticulous approach in capturing the fine subtleties of nature, human expressions, and garments.
Millais' artistic style evolved over time, including a shift towards a looser, more impressionistic technique in later years. He was also an accomplished portrait painter, capturing the likeness and personality of many influential figures of his time. Millais received numerous accolades and honors, including being elected as the President of the Royal Academy in 1896, shortly before his death. His works continue to be admired and celebrated for their skillful execution and historical significance.
