Tuesday, August 25, 2009

John Everett Millais - Lorenzo and Isabella

1849
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
Millais' first painting, at the age of only 19! Notice the 'PRB' inscribed on Isabella's chair. It was exhibited at the RA in 1849. The subject is taken from Keat's poem. The diners were modelled by Millais' friends, William Rossetti was Lorenzo; Dante Rossetti is drinking at the back and Walter Deverell and F G Stephens sat for the brothers. The kicking brother was painted from memory of John Harris, a bully who tormented Millais at school.
The picture was sold to a tailor for £150 and a new suit.
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/collections/19c/millais.aspx

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