The Pre-Raphaelites in Literature and Art.
By D. S. R. Welland. (Harrap. 10s. 6d.) THE inter-relationship of the arts and more particularly of painting and literature is rare in England ; Dr. Welland is unablo to dis- cover anyone except Blake, who, outside the Pre-Raphaelite group, practised both of them with equal seriousness. Since the visual sense is the most superficial and way- ward of all, and therefore the most con- ditioned by fashion, it is not surprising that most people now cannot stomach Pre- Raphaelite painting, particularly since it was so infected by contemporary moralising and so often was just bad painting by any standards. But as Dr. Welland is a stage- manager here and not primarily a critic he does not attempt to judge the paintings. He quotes Dickens's descriptions of " Christ in the House of His Parents " : " Such men as the carpenters might be undressed in any hospital where dirty drunkards, in a high state of varicose veins, are received." Which almost brings one on to Millais' side.
Since poetry is less affected by fashion it has more chance of lasting longer, but " Sister Helen," which impressed the young D. H. Lawrence so much, strikes the reader today as false and wearisome. It might have been better to give more sonnets from The House of Life, and more poems by Christina Rossetti, who was probably the best lyric poet of the group, although her work was limited. William Morris comes out well as a narrative poet, but his prose is unreadable. There seems little chauce now of any revival of influence, or even interest, but this book will be a ready reckoner for those who want the facts behind the freakishness.
M. C.
Previous page
