Isabella Or The Pot Of Basil Analysis

Symbolism in Pre-Raphaelite illustrations Isabella or The pot of basil Introduction

In this paper ,I will examine the use of symbolism in two paintings illustrating scenes from John Keats’ poem Isabella or the pot of Basil. The first painting was made by William Holman Hunt while the second painting was made by John Everest Millais .Both painters were part of the Pre Raphaelite brotherhood,a group of young artists in the mid nineteenth century who rejected traditional conventions in art in favour of symbolist art. In order to analyse the symbolism used in the paintings it is important to first briefly discuss the concept of symbolism with respect to Pre Raphaelite art .Secondly I will analyse

Analysing another significant symbol,the pair of clogs ,proves that the theme of transgression in the painting is not limited to sexual boundaries but it is also a transgression of class or rather a complete rejection of the material world. ‘Pattens ‘ were over shoes worn during the Victorian age by women( Wikipedia). It was generally worn in public places.The fact that Hunt had placed a pair of pattens in clear view of the spectator suggests that they hold some kind of symbolic meaning.Hunt seems to be stressing on the fact that Isabella had taken off her pattens and is now barefoot( with one foot on the prayer desk). This symbol can be interpreted as a Isabella's rejection of her class ( another transgression) or as a rejection of earthly possessions in order to enter the spiritual realm which is suggested by her foot ( placed on the prayer desk). The fact that Isabella has placed the pot on a prayer desk itself shows her placing him on a pedastal,quite literally. Also,by using an “ exquisitely adorned vase” to store his remains ,she symbolically bridges the gap between their social status.( the theme will be discussed later in the