“Henry Wentworth Monk”
Today, a stunning portrait from a co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood art movement.
“Henry Wentworth Monk” is an oil on canvas portrait by the English artist, William Holman Hunt, from 1858. Hunt is most remembered for his association and co-founding of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood art movement. His art is known for its bright colors, striking contrasts, symbolism, and depth of detail.
Henry Wentworth Monk was a Christian Zionist and mystic from Canada who lived from 1827 to 1896. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and was an advocate for peace. Often referred to as “The Prophet”, Monk had made several predictions about the future and how they related to verses in the Bible. He was of the belief that the return of Jesus Christ was imminent. Hunt adds symbolism to this painting. He depicts Monk holding a London Times newspaper and New Testament Bible, connecting modern events with biblical passages.
Monk met William Holman Hunt in Palestine in 1852. Hunt had gone there to research the land and people for his religious paintings. Monk was there advocating for a new religious state open to both Christians and Jews after having an epiphany on what he thought was the correct interpretation of the Bible’s Book of Revelation. The friendship introduced Monk to several influential people in the British art world, including John Ruskin, who helped fund Monk’s writings on his epiphany. Monk would publish A Simple Interpretation of the Revelation in 1859.
“Henry Wentworth Monk” is currently on display at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, Canada.
For more on William Holman Hunt, please visit his short biography here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
