King René's Honeymoon Cabinet

This painting was painted in the year 1861 by Ford Madox Brown who was a friend of the architect, John Pollard. The cabinet was, however, designed by this architect. Contrary to popular belief, Ford Madox wasn’t the only one who decorated this cabinet.

He was assisted by three other artists. It shows the medieval times. Anjou’s King, Rene during his honeymoon. He was popular among artists as he was a patron of art. Madox Brown and John Pollard were inspired by Mr. Scott’s novel that happened to imagine King Rene’s honeymoon. This novel not only inspired other Madox brown but also other paintings under decorative art.

This decorative art in an allegorical manner pays homage to many forms of art such as painting, music, gardening, pottery, glassblowing, and sculpture. All these forms of art were encouraged by King Rene. On each decorative panel, the king and his new bride are engaging in artistic endeavours. By doing all these things in the painting one can draw the relationship between love and creative arts. Many painters have described that this painting has been the depiction of the adage,’ creativity is the way to the heart of your love’.

As mentioned earlier the architecture drew and designed this cabinet and it was made from oak yet one would think it has some glass. Brown was called upon to decorate the cabinet that John Pollard made. Madox Brown was the one who suggested that they paint King Rene’s honeymoon on the cabinet. By the King holding some plans to build his castle, architecture, a form of art, was paid homage. His designated panel was for architecture while Rossetti was music and jones was painting and sculpture. The music was depicted by the new bride playing music as the two were kissing.

This oil painting was done by four artists that show the four forms of art and craft. The materials used were canvas and the technique used was oil. The style of painting was Pre-Raphaelites. This style of art was characterized by championing the use of bright and brilliant colour. One can see that this style of art was very evident especially in the way it depicted great passion between King Rene and his bride. The colours used also strengthen this masterpiece. This style of art appreciates the natural order of things. He was inspired by Peter Von Cornelius who introduced to the pre-Raphaelite style of art. He was drawn to the way the clear colours were merged in a bright way.