Themes and Styles:
* Pre-Raphaelite Realism: Millais' early work was characterized by highly detailed and realistic portrayals, often focusing on biblical, mythological, and literary subjects. He used vibrant colors and meticulous brushwork to create a sense of immediacy and emotional depth.
* Victorian Romanticism: Later in his career, Millais' style evolved, incorporating elements of Victorian Romanticism. He began to focus more on themes of love, loss, and social commentary, often depicting idealized scenes of everyday life and nature.
* Portraiture: Millais was also a prolific portraitist, known for capturing the likeness and character of his sitters with great accuracy and sensitivity.
Specific Works:
* "Christ in the House of His Parents" (1850): This controversial painting, showing Jesus as a young boy working in a carpenter's shop, exemplifies Millais' Pre-Raphaelite style. It features realistic details and a sense of emotional drama.
* "Ophelia" (1852): One of Millais' most famous works, depicting Ophelia, the tragic heroine from Shakespeare's Hamlet, floating lifelessly in a stream. It is a masterpiece of Pre-Raphaelite realism, with its intricate detail and melancholic beauty.
* "The Order of Release" (1853): This painting depicts a scene from Charles Dickens' novel "Little Dorrit," with a poignant portrayal of a young woman awaiting release from prison.
* "The Blind Girl" (1856): A tender and moving scene of a blind girl leading her grandfather through a field of wildflowers, highlighting the beauty of nature and the human connection.
* "The Boyhood of Raleigh" (1870): A romantic depiction of Sir Walter Raleigh as a young boy, exploring the New World. It reflects Millais' later tendency towards historical subjects and grand narratives.
Legacy:
Millais' work had a profound impact on Victorian art, helping to establish the Pre-Raphaelite aesthetic and influencing many subsequent artists. He is considered one of the most important British painters of the 19th century, known for his meticulous detail, emotional depth, and ability to capture the spirit of his time.