In 1848, seven inexperienced young artists banded together to form the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, one of the first and most distinctive group movements in modern art. A century and a half later, their art still has the power to shock, as well as fascinate its audiences. Through the detailed analysis of the materials, techniques, and working pratices of the artists, this lavishly illustrated book examines how Pre-Raphaelite pictures compel the viewer to see more, and more vividly, than traditional painting styles. This intensity of observation reinforces the distinctive subject matter of the pictures: the natural world and the human model, gender identities and sexual relationships, debates on politics, science and religion. Elizabeth Prettejohn is widely acknowledged to be a leading authority on the Pre-Raphaelites, and The Art of the Pre-Raphaelites is seen as a classic introduction to the movement. Outstandingly successful as a hardback, it is now published in a new, affordable format by public demand.