Discovering the Pre-Raphaelites: A Journey Through Art at the San Domenico Museum in Forlì

Dear WorldMappin community,

Last year, I had the privilege of visiting the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition at the stunning San Domenico Museum in Forlì, an experience that left me in awe of this revolutionary art movement. I’ve been a fan of exploring art and history through the lens of travel, and this exhibition truly connected me to a pivotal chapter of the 19th-century art world. Let me take you on a little journey into the world of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB) and the magic I encountered at the museum.

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: Art's Rebellion

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded in 1848 in England by a group of young artists and writers: Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt. They were later joined by other creatives, including Ford Madox Brown and Edward Burne-Jones. These young artists sought to challenge the conventions of the Victorian art establishment and break free from the rigid academic style epitomized by the Royal Academy in London.

The name "Pre-Raphaelite" itself reflects their desire to return to the artistic purity and honesty they believed was present in art before Raphael’s time. They revered the works of medieval and early Renaissance artists, who emphasized vivid detail, vibrant colors, and naturalistic forms.

This was not merely a visual rebellion. The PRB had a mission to fuse art with literature, faith, and morality. They were heavily inspired by the Romantic poets and medieval legends, and they aimed to infuse their work with emotion, storytelling, and an almost spiritual connection to nature.

Stepping into the Exhibition

Walking into the San Domenico Museum, I felt transported back to the mid-19th century. The halls were filled with iconic works that captured the ethos of the movement. Among the highlights was John Everett Millais’ Ophelia, depicting Shakespeare’s tragic heroine submerged in a river, surrounded by lush flora. Seeing the meticulous details up close—the individual petals of flowers, the expression of quiet resignation on Ophelia’s face—was breathtaking.

Rossetti’s works were equally spellbinding, especially his portraits of women, often his muses and lovers, painted with elongated features, dreamy expressions, and rich jewel tones. His paintings, like Proserpine or The Beloved, seemed to glow with an inner light, evoking both sensuality and melancholy.

What struck me most about the exhibit was how deeply nature influenced the Pre-Raphaelites. Many paintings featured plants, flowers, and landscapes rendered with scientific precision. But their connection to nature wasn’t just aesthetic; it was symbolic, reflecting themes of renewal, growth, and the divine.

A Movement of Unity and Innovation

The exhibit also showcased how the PRB extended their ideals into other mediums, including decorative arts, stained glass, textiles, and book illustrations. William Morris, a later associate of the group, was instrumental in the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to bring beauty into everyday life. Seeing examples of Morris’s intricate floral wallpaper designs and hand-crafted furniture alongside the paintings was a reminder of how far-reaching their influence was.

Why the Pre-Raphaelites Matter Today

Standing amidst these masterpieces, I couldn’t help but reflect on how the Pre-Raphaelites were ahead of their time. They dared to question the status quo, redefine beauty, and merge art with social ideals. They embraced collaboration and community, believing that art could be a transformative force in society.

For us, as modern travelers and dreamers in the WorldMappin community, their story serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, passion, and rebellion. Whether you’re exploring museums or finding inspiration in the natural world, the Pre-Raphaelites invite us to look deeper, to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to never stop questioning.

Practical Tips for Visiting

If you ever find yourself in Forlì, the San Domenico Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a former Dominican convent, the space is as captivating as the art it holds. The Pre-Raphaelite exhibition ran in 2024, but the museum frequently hosts world-class exhibitions, so check their calendar for what’s next.

While in Forlì, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the charming piazzas, indulge in some authentic Romagna cuisine, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of this underappreciated gem in northern Italy.

To the WorldMappin community: Have you encountered the works of the Pre-Raphaelites in your travels? What movements or exhibitions have inspired you the most? I’d love to hear your stories and share in your artistic discoveries.

I had the possibility to take photos only for some painting exposed, the most beautiful pieces were protected from the photo-taking. I hope you like the photos i took.

Thanks for the reading, see you to the next adventure!

Will 91