National Gallery Pre-Raphaelite Exhibition: Reflections
(Date visited: 21/10/17)

The intimacy of the Reflections exhibition is something that made it more exciting and exclusive to walk round. The boxed rooms, you feel contained in and more immersed within as part of the viewing experience. Holding heavy influence in the exhibition is Jan Van Eyck’s ‘Arnolfini Portrait’. Famous for its curved mirror in the background reflecting onlookers whom could be interpreted as the contemporary audience today, the painting hangs on its own private wall emphasising its presence. This is something to note when comparing this space to the paintings previous, relaxed bedroom wall placement.

A room to the right of the entrance door plays a film on loop on the origins Van Eyck’s Netherlandish work. It is welcomed knowledge regarding the roots of the artistic progression and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood itself, before extending person opinions on the works within the exhibition. Classic composition of solitary women, royal groups and unfinished sketches gives an ample insight into how the Brotherhood worked. This disclosed viewing of the artists’ hands is a pleasure to witness.

The vibrancy of Sir John Everett Millais’s ‘Mariana’ for me is the pinnacle of the show. The conscientious, and deliberate nature of the painting is something that is mesmerising and caused me to stand, in awe for the majority of my time in the exhibition.

http://www.themasterpiececards.com/famous-paintings-reviewed/bid/27677/Famous-Paintings-Arnolfini-Portrait

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/calendar/lunchtime-talk-15-january-2018-1300

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/millais-mariana-t07553