1. Birth and Early Life:
- John Everett Millais was born on June 8, 1829, in Southampton, England.
- He showed exceptional artistic talent from an early age and began taking art lessons at the age of nine.
2. Royal Academy of Arts:
- In 1840, at the age of eleven, Millais entered the Royal Academy of Arts schools, the youngest student ever admitted at the time.
3. Formation of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood:
- In 1848, along with artists William Holman Hunt and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Millais co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB).
- This group aimed to reform art by rejecting the conventional styles and techniques of the time and drawing inspiration from the art of the pre-Renaissance period.
4. Early Major Works:
- Millais gained recognition for his early works, such as "Isabella," "Christ in the House of His Parents," and "Ophelia."
- These paintings showcased his meticulous detail, vibrant colors, and adherence to the principles of the PRB.
5. "Christ in the House of His Parents" Controversy:
- In 1850, Millais' painting "Christ in the House of His Parents" generated controversy due to its unconventional depiction of the Holy Family.
- The work's realism and humble portrayal of Joseph as a carpenter sparked criticism, but it also earned the admiration of other artists.
6. Success and Marriage:
- During the 1850s and 1860s, Millais achieved great success as an artist, receiving acclaim for his portraits, historical paintings, and landscapes.
- In 1855, he married Euphemia Gray, whom he later divorced, and he remarried in 1875.
7. Shift in Artistic Style:
- Millais gradually moved away from the strict principles of Pre-Raphaelitism and toward a more naturalistic style of painting.
- His later works, such as "The Boyhood of Raleigh" and "The Northwest Passage," reflected this transition.
8. Knighthood and Late Career:
- In 1885, Queen Victoria bestowed upon Millais the title of Baronet, making him "Sir John Everett Millais."
- He continued to paint and had many influential students and admirers, solidifying his reputation as a leading artist of the Victorian era.
9. Passing of Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood Members:
- Millais faced personal tragedies with the loss of his friends and fellow Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood members Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1882) and William Holman Hunt (1910).
10. Death and Legacy:
- Sir John Everett Millais passed away peacefully on August 13, 1896, at the age of 67.
- He left behind a rich artistic legacy known for its beauty, detail, and role in shaping the Pre-Raphaelite art movement. Millais' art continues to be treasured and celebrated worldwide.