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William Holman Hunt’s artwork shows plainly the immense impact medieval art had on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Visually, he used similar compositional and color techniques to that of the medieval artists. The work of The Eve of St. Agnes was produced at the infancy of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, but had already benefited from their philosophical treatment. They were artists, but they were also thinkers. Let us now approach Hunt’s painting on a deeper level. Here are a few questions that will help to jumpstart the discussion:
Why do you think Hunt chose this scene from the poem? What can you tell from his interpretation?
What common characteristics does Keats work share with the Pre-Raphaelites that they would be so inspired by him? How is his work different if it is?
Do you think aspects of his personal life translated to this piece or that Keat’s poem spoke directly to his life experience? If so, in what way? Provide examples.
Compare & Contrast
Let us examine another piece of William Holman Hunts’ work in light of your contextual timeline, literary, and historical knowledge. Like John Everett Millais, Hunt chose to paint a scene from Keat’s poem The Pot of Basil. Using historical thinking techniques, detail and support your analysis of both paintings with evidence and connect it to your developing understanding of the Pre-Raphaelite style.
Compare and contrast Hunt and Millais’s interpretations in their choice of Keats’ poem. What did they include that the other did not? How does their interpretation of their literary excerpt choice differ or coincide?