William Holman Hunt and typological symbolism

by George P. Landow

In this study, first published in 1979, Landow contends that Hunt's version of Pre-Raphaelitism concerned itself primarily with an elaborate system of painterly symbolism rather than with a photographic realism as has been usually supposed. Like Ruskin, Hunt believed that a symbolism based on scriptural typology - the method of finding anticipations of Christ in Hebrew history - could produce an ideal art that would solve the problems of Victorian painting. According to Hunt, this elaborate symbolism could simultaneously avoid the dangers of materialism inherent in a realistic style, the dead conventionalism of academic art, and the sentimentality of much contemporary painting.

George Landow examines Hunt's work in the context of this argument and, drawing on much unknown or previously inaccessible material, shows how he used texts, frames, and symbols to create a complex art of mediation that became increasingly visionary as the artist grew older. This book is ideal for students of art history.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hugely informative and well written book. Landow offers many insightful readings and interpretations of Hunt's work. More considerations can be found here:
https://madeleineemeraldthiele.wordpr...

[Samuel Valentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunt was simply amazing. If even half the author's suppositions about what went into Hunt's art are correct, he was an incredibly thoughtful and innovative artist. Makes me want to paint more!