Some Problems on the Re-evaluation of Pre-Raphaelitism(Papers Read at the 22th National Congress)

Abstract

A brief generation ago, Pre-Raphaelite painting was scorned as sentimental and dismissed as a silly dream. In recent years, it has fallen into contemptuous neglect, and, in this country too, almost into oblivion. Today it may be returning to fashion. Why should it be making a comeback? What is Pre-Raphaelitism? How far does it the realistic reaction in France? Why were the results so different? To anyone taking an interest in the thesis many questions will suggest themselves. Neverthless, there must be something in the art of the Pre-Raphaelites, which will show such a fast reevaluation of Pre-Raphaelitism that works they produced will be revealed as a central and highly important facet of European painting of the nineteenth century and possibly as far reaching in their effects as the most remarkable movements in the art of the Continent in the last quarter of the century. It is with a deliberate intention that I treat upon the four phases of the movement : impressionistic, realistic, romantic and symbolistic phases. Pre-Raphaelitism formed only element in European painting ; it was, however, a most important and complex elements, and its influence on Japanese modern painting has been enormous.