MINNEAPOLIS, MN.- The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA ), offers visitors a rare glimpse into the life and work of 19th-century painter William Holman Hunt, with an exhibition of more than 60 iconic works by the artist who is considered to be the founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and has been deemed by some as the Damien Hirst of his day. “Sin and Salvation: William Holman Hunt and the Pre-Raphaelite Vision” opens June 14, with the MIA as the sole U.S. venue.
“Sin and Salvation” provides a new interpretation of Holman Hunt’s work, revealing an artist who confronted the pivotal issues of his day: materialism, the crisis of faith, the changing role of women, and the relationship between the sexes. These themes, with their roots in the Victorian era, still resonate strongly with 21st-century audiences.
This is the first exhibition since 1969 dedicated to the work and ideas of the British painter, and Pre-Raphaelite artworks are among the most popular in British museums and are rarely put on loan.
“This exhibition is an unusual opportunity for audiences to view the work of a revolutionary painter,” said the MIA ’s Chair of Paintings & Modern Sculpture Patrick Noon. “William Holman Hunt was not only an exceptional artist but a great showman, and since he is less well-known in this country, the MIA is thrilled to be the U.S. host to the first exhibition of his works outside of Britain.”
The exhibition features Holman Hunt’s most famous paintings: The Light of the World, Lady of Shallot, The Awakening Conscience, and The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple. It also includes works by other leading Pre- Raphaelites such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and their associates Arthur Hughes and Ford Madox Brown, as well as textiles collected by Hunt during his travels in the Middle East. Born in 1827 in London, Holman Hunt attended the Royal Academy in 1844, where he met John Everett Millais and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. In 1848 these three artists formed the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which broke with academic tradition and developed a distinctive medievalizing style characterized by bright colors and hyperrealism. The group challenged the artistic, political, social, and religious values of the time, taking subjects from history, literature, and modern life. Although the group was short-lived, its impact was far reaching.
Holman Hunt enjoyed great success early in his career. In 1853, he underwent a spiritual conversion while painting his most famous work, Light of the World. Shortly thereafter, he embarked on his first journey to the Middle East to imbue his biblical scenes with archaeological accuracy. Holman Hunt would return to the Middle East several times, spending a total of seven years in the region.
Holman Hunt remained true to the original Pre-Raphaelite vision throughout his long career. His paintings are notable for their meticulous attention to detail, luminous and vibrant colors, and elaborate symbolism. In his attempt to revive the brilliance of color found in 15th-century Italian art, he developed a technique of painting in thin glazes of pigment over a wet white ground to retain a jewel-like transparency and clarity of color. To share his vision with vast audiences, he became involved in printmaking and actively oversaw the engraved reproduction of his images.
Patrick Noon, Chair of Paintings & Modern Sculpture at the MIA , is curator of the exhibition in Minneapolis.
