Ophelia by John Everett Millais
Elizabeth Siddal (1829-1862)
Model and Muse of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood art movement
See this link for details of the work from this period
The Story
In brief - Modelling for the painting Ophelia required Elizabeth to lie in a bath for several hours. Wearing an antique dress John bought for $250 by todays money. The bath was heated using oil lamps however these went out, the artist kept on working and Elizabeth said nothing while lying in the cold water. It is suggested that this event contributed to her life long health issues, which in turn lead to her laudanum addiction and finally overdose.
The Plan
To re-create the above scene as closely as resources will allow and document the process through film and photography. The results to be posted on this blog.
(Medical advise has been sort)
For further information on Elizabeth
Source: http://www.lizziesiddal.com/
I love this picture. Mum and I have been watching the Pre-Raphelites on tv.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting plan!
If I 'had' to pick a favorite it would be the Pre-Raphaelites....
ReplyDeleteDo you have a blog? link? I still don't really have a feel for how this all works
Hmm I don't know that I have a favourite. I need a bigger base of art knowledge to decide I think.
ReplyDeleteI do have a blog. It's not been updated in ages and is not really art related, (because I'm too lazy to make non uni related art most of the time :P). More baking, tea party, antique shopping centred.