In the world of art, the Pre-Raphaelites occupy a special place, recreating the beauty and aesthetics of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in their works. One of the most remarkable aspects of their work is the exquisite costumes and armor that they depicted with amazing detail. Let's dive into the world of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and examine their beauty through the prism of the outfits and armor that are captured on canvas.

From knightly armor to women's outfits: The splendor of detail in Pre-Raphaelite paintings

"A suit is more than just a fabric, it is an expression of a time, a place and a soul." - Oscar de la Renta

 

 

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Pre-Raphaelites, where the allure of the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance dances effortlessly with the strokes of their brushes. These visionary artists were not merely content with the surface allure of ancient stories and legends; they delved deep into the essence of chivalry, romance, and the divine quest for beauty.

Step into their canvases, where brave knights embark on epic adventures in the name of fair maidens, and where every brushstroke whispers secrets of a bygone era. But beware, for the world they depict is not merely a mirror of historical accuracy; rather, it's a fantastical realm where reality intertwines with imagination in a mesmerizing dance.

Why is the Pre-Raphaelite Middle Ages “not real?”

 

Pre-Raphaelite paintings offer a captivating glimpse into the romanticized past of the 19th century, but they must be approached with caution as historical sources. While they may not provide precise historical accuracy, they are rich in artistic interpretation and aesthetic allure.

Masters of the Pre-Raphaelite movement often strayed from strict historical authenticity, opting instead to infuse their works with a romanticized charm. This artistic liberty resulted in several common errors prevalent in their paintings:

• Anachronisms: Elements such as clothing, armor, and furnishings were often sourced from different time periods, creating a captivating yet historically inaccurate tableau.

• Selective Depictions: The Pre-Raphaelites were drawn to the most visually appealing aspects of history, favoring romantic, beautiful, and often tragic scenes. Consequently, they frequently depicted the ornate armor of the late 15th to early 16th centuries, while taking artistic liberties with medieval attire, which may not have been as visually striking in reality.

• Embellishments: In their quest for heightened aesthetics, artists embellished historical details with decorative elements, enhancing the allure of their compositions. Intricate overlays, elaborate embroideries, and ornate patterns adorned the figures and settings, imbuing them with an enchanting allure.

While Pre-Raphaelite paintings may not serve as precise historical documents, they offer a captivating journey into the romanticized past, where beauty and imagination intertwine to create timeless works of art.

About the differences in costumes and armor in different countries

Ah, the captivating tapestry of medieval fashion, a mosaic of diversity woven across the ever-shifting landscapes of Europe! To understand its nuances, one must discard the confines of modern geographical boundaries and delve into the intricate interplay of cultures, climates, and historical contexts.

Picture this: as empires rose and fell, as kingdoms fragmented and united, the sartorial landscape of the Middle Ages danced to the rhythm of change. From the rugged hills of Scotland to the sun-drenched plains of Italy, each region boasted its own unique flair in clothing, accessories, and headwear. It wasn't just about national borders; it was about the subtle influences of climate and terrain that shaped the garments worn by its people.

As we journey deeper into the 15th and 16th centuries, these differences become ever more pronounced. Take, for instance, the noble art of armor crafting. Across Europe, diverse schools of armor emerged, each with its own distinct style and technique. In the hallowed halls of Italy, craftsmen honed their skills to produce sleek, elegant suits of armor, while their counterparts in Germany favored a more robust and utilitarian approach.

Indeed, the medieval era was a time of sartorial splendor and innovation, where every stitch and rivet told a story of cultural exchange and artistic expression. 

Frederick William Burton, "Hellelila and Hildebrand: Meeting on the Tower Steps"

 

Inspired by the evocative verses of his close friend, the esteemed celtologist Whitley Stokes, Burton embarked on a creative journey that would breathe life into an ancient Danish ballad. In delicate strokes of watercolor, he immortalized a poignant moment: the final rendezvous between two star-crossed lovers amidst the looming shadows of a tower.

Here, the legendary Scandinavian princess Hillelila stands poised, her eyes alight with longing, awaiting the arrival of her beloved, the valiant English prince Hildebrand. Their clandestine romance, fueled by forbidden passion and perilous intrigue, unfolds against the backdrop of a fateful tale. Hildebrand, once a steadfast guardian in Hillelila's service, now stands as her devoted companion and paramour, destined to meet his tragic end on the battlefield, facing the wrath of her father and brothers.

Through Burton's skillful hand, the essence of the ballad is captured in every brushstroke, every subtle expression, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of love and sacrifice. As we gaze upon this captivating scene, we are transported to a realm where history and myth converge, where the echoes of ancient tales resonate with haunting beauty.

In this evocative scene, we find ourselves transported to a realm where time seems to blur, as the characters' attire whispers of centuries past. Hillelila's graceful gown, reminiscent of the early 12th century, cascades around her figure, its rich blue hue hinting at a winter adaptation adorned with delicate fur trim. Yet, the intricacies of historical accuracy mingle with artistic license, as the fabric's exact shade remains a tantalizing mystery lost to the annals of time.

Similarly, Hildebrand's armor, harkening back to the 9th-10th centuries, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of ages gone by. Its form and function are rendered with meticulous detail, yet subtle embellishments betray the artist's creative flair, infusing the scene with a touch of aesthetic allure. And behold, his sword, a gleaming emblem of valor, though slightly anachronistic, adds an undeniable air of chivalry to the tableau.

But what of the finer details, you may wonder? Ah, the tapestry of history is woven with threads of uncertainty, where the nuances of hairstyles and adornments are as varied as the colors of the medieval palette. Braids, a timeless symbol of elegance, grace Hillelila's coiffure, a nod to the prevailing fashion of the era. Yet, each curl and twist is a product of the artist's imagination, a delicate brushstroke that breathes life into the characters' personas.

First, let us turn our gaze to his helm, adorned with a bronze nosepiece reminiscent of the regalia worn by jarls and esteemed warriors of old. Here lies a conundrum: while the embellishment adds a touch of aristocratic splendor, it strays from the simplicity one might expect of the era. Perhaps the artist sought to imbue Hildebrand's visage with a sense of noble lineage, yet the choice of such ornate detail leaves us pondering the true nature of his station.

Next, we are drawn to the hilt of his sword, where embossed leather and intricate patterns hint at a craftsmanship more befitting of a later age. The Romanesque design of the blade whispers of a time yet to come, casting a shadow of anachronism upon the scene. Would not a Carolingian sword, with its distinctive features, better suit the narrative's setting? The artist's departure from historical accuracy invites speculation, urging us to delve deeper into the mysteries of his creative vision.

And what of Hildebrand's footwear, you ask? Ah, here lies a subtle nod to the evolution of fashion through the ages. The pointed-nosed boots he wears, though undeniably stylish, herald from a time far beyond the narrative's supposed era. In an age when round-nosed boots held sway, the choice to outfit our gallant knight with such avant-garde footwear raises eyebrows and stirs the imagination.

John William Waterhouse, Tristan and Isolde with the Potion

 

At the heart of this enchanting painting lies a narrative steeped in the lore of the Middle Ages, a tapestry woven from the threads of Celtic legend and European tradition. Here, amidst the verdant backdrop of medieval romance, we witness the fateful encounter between Isolde, destined to wed the noble King Mark, and Tristan, a loyal subject bound by duty to his liege lord.

Yet, fate weaves a tangled web as the young unwittingly partake of a potent elixir, igniting a passion that defies the constraints of duty and honor. It is this pivotal moment, charged with the intoxicating magic of forbidden love, that Waterhouse captures with breathtaking clarity upon his canvas.

Tristan, resplendent in the regalia of the German school of armor from the latter half of the 15th century, cuts a striking figure upon the canvas. The intricate links of his chain mail armor speak of craftsmanship honed over centuries, a testament to the artistry favored by the Pre-Raphaelites in their portrayal of medieval warfare. Indeed, German armor holds a special place of reverence in their oeuvre, its robust elegance capturing the imagination with its timeless allure.

Yet, alongside Tristan strides Isolde, her attire a tapestry of contrasting eras and styles that hints at a story untold. Clad in the vestments of a bygone era, her garments evoke the opulence of the late 13th to mid-14th centuries, a sartorial journey that spans centuries in a single glance. The layers of her ensemble paint a portrait of elegance and status: from the ethereal cotta or cothardie beneath, to the sideless surcoat trimmed with ermine—a symbol of her elevated station in medieval society.

And what of her headwear, you may wonder? Behold, the delicate veil that graces her brow, a symbol of femininity and grace known as the "veil." Though convention dictates it be affixed to braided tresses or a cap, here it adorns Isolde's head with a sense of ethereal elegance, its sheer fabric lending an air of mystery to her countenance.

As we immerse ourselves in the splendor of Tristan and Isolde's attire, let us not dwell on the discrepancies of historical accuracy, but instead, revel in the rich tapestry of imagination woven by the artist's hand. For in the realm of art, where reality meets fantasy, it is the essence of the narrative that captures the soul, beckoning us to lose ourselves in its timeless embrace.

John William Waterhouse, "Shadows Haunt Me"

 

Enter the mystical realm of John William Waterhouse's iconic painting, inspired by the haunting verses of Alfred Tennyson's The Witch of Shalott. Quoting a line from the poem: “Oh, I’m sick from ghosts!” Shalott was sad.” Here, amidst a tapestry of Arthurian-inspired legends, we uncover layers of symbolism and intrigue that transcend time.

Tennyson's poignant narrative, reimagined and reimagined by Waterhouse, takes us into a world where beauty and tragedy intertwine. Central to the story is the plight of the Lady of Shalott, locked in a formidable castle, her gaze riveted to the reflections in the mirror, and she cannot see the world beyond the walls of her prison. It is a story of longing and forbidden desire, culminating in a fateful meeting with Sir Lancelot that seals her tragic fate.

At the heart of Waterhouse's composition is the enigmatic figure of the Lady of Shalott, her dress a marvel of fantastical design that defies the limits of historical accuracy. Her outfit, adorned with rich fabrics and intricate details, is a testament to the artist's creative vision, evoking a sense of otherworldly beauty that captures the imagination.

However, amid the unearthly splendor, inconsistencies arise that spark speculation and research. The presence of a round mirror, although of symbolic significance, challenges historical accuracy as large mirrors of this design were not common in the medieval era. Likewise, the depiction of oil lamps, although intriguing in its depiction, is at odds with the reality of 14th- and 15th-century Europe, where such light sources had a markedly different appearance.

John William Waterhouse "Tale from the Decameron"

 

"The Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio has stood the test of time as a masterpiece of the Renaissance era, weaving tales that continue to captivate readers. In John William Waterhouse's rendition, we're transported to a secluded Italian estate, where ten young souls seek refuge from the looming shadow of the plague. Here, amidst the tranquil countryside, unfolds a tapestry of narratives spun over two weeks, each tale a gem reflecting the myriad facets of human experience.

Boccaccio's literary prowess intertwines these stories into a rich mosaic of short narratives, while Waterhouse, with his brush as his pen, paints a scene of idyllic romance upon the canvas of the villa. It's a meeting of minds across centuries, where the written word dances with strokes of color to evoke a world both timeless and evocative. Through the lens of Waterhouse's sublime interpretation, the rustic charm of the villa becomes a stage for the human drama, where passion, intrigue, and wit intertwine amidst the fragrant blooms and sun-dappled vistas.

In the delicate strokes of the costumes, there's a whisper of 15th-century Italy, though it's a mere whisper, especially evident in the attire of the men. In the foreground, the young gentlemen sport hairstyles and hats reminiscent of Italian fashion. One dons striped chausses, harmonizing with his ensemble, while another flaunts a snug, intricately laced doublet, its sleeves adorned with the beloved Italian slits, allowing a tantalizing glimpse of fabric beneath.

Yet, it's the ladies' attire that steals the spotlight; each gown a testament to opulence and grace. The dress adorning the maiden on the right bears semblance to the quintessential Italian style, albeit embellished with subtle slits, hinting at modern influences. Hairstyles, however, defy easy categorization - while headdresses were not obligatory in 15th-century Italian fashion, they were revered as fashionable adornments. Ladies often wove elaborate braids, intricately arranged beneath hats, turbans, or delicate nets, each creation a marvel of artistry and refinement.

Edmund Blair Leighton, "Accolade"

 

An accolade, as portrayed in Leighton's masterpiece of the same name, is a ceremonious rite of knighthood, steeped in tradition and honor. While scholars continue to speculate on the precise inspiration behind the painting, one enchanting interpretation whispers of the knighting of Lancelot by none other than Queen Guinevere herself.

In Leighton's brushstrokes, we're transported to a realm where chivalry reigns supreme, where valor and grace converge in a timeless tableau. The scene unfolds with a regal splendor, bathed in the ethereal glow of medieval mystique. Queen Guinevere, a vision of noble authority, stands poised, her hand outstretched in a gesture of empowerment, bestowing the sacred honor upon the worthy knight, Lancelot.

Yet, beyond the surface of this iconic moment lies a tapestry of allegory and symbolism, hinting at themes of loyalty, devotion, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Leighton's Accolade becomes not merely a depiction of a singular event, but a window into the soul of chivalric legend, inviting us to ponder the depths of bravery and nobility that define the human spirit.

Amidst the tapestry of time, the warrior's attire speaks volumes of an era long past, a blend of centuries echoing in the clink of chain mail and the gleam of steel. The hauberk, snug against the body, harkens back to the 10th century, a testament to the evolution of defensive craftsmanship through the ages. Yet, draped over this formidable armor, the military cotta tells a tale of adaptation born amidst the scorching heat of the crusades, where necessity birthed innovation, transforming simple fabric into a shield against both sun and foe.

However, amidst this symphony of historical accuracy, the helmet stands as an anomaly. The Italian barbute, with its distinctive visage, belies its true origins, tracing its lineage not to the medieval battlegrounds, but to the artistic revival of 15th-century Italy. A relic reborn from the annals of Ancient Rome, forged anew in steel by the hands of Italian craftsmen, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of classical aesthetics.

In contrast, the lady's attire weaves a tapestry of contradiction and anachronism. Her garb, reminiscent of the traditional medieval ensemble, bears semblance to the blio, albeit adorned with modern flourishes foreign to its primitive origins. The wide sleeves, the intricate neckline—all speak of a departure from historical accuracy, casting a veil of fantasy over the portrait.

Yet, perhaps the most striking departure lies in the depiction of the lady herself. With her hair cascading freely, she defies the conventions of her time, where a woman's uncovered head was a symbol of sanctity or scandal. In this moment frozen in paint, she becomes both saint and siren, a paradox captured in the delicate strokes of the artist's brush.

In conclusion, the study of the details of outfits and armor in the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelites allowed us to plunge into the world of aesthetics and beauty embodied in their works. The variety of styles and eras reflected in their works allows us to understand not only historical contexts, but also the intricacies of fashion and military art of the time.

In the next article we will continue our immersion into the world of the Pre-Raphaelites, examining and analyzing paintings that are also related to this topic. As we expand our understanding of the art of this era, we will continue to unravel the mysteries and beauty left behind by these great masters.

Our catalog presents paintings from various eras and genres, from classic works of the Pre-Raphaelites to modern creative interpretations. No matter your preference, you will discover works of art that will captivate you with their beauty and depth. Each painting in our selection opens the door to a unique world of artistic expression, taking you on a fascinating journey through art history.