Society of British Artists, first notice

Society of British Artists exhibition.

Rossetti, William M. "The Society of British Artists." Academy (April 8, 1876): 205. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.

Rossetti expresses optimism regarding this exhibition compared with others, due in part to the seeming influence of many in the Society upon those in their number who typically hang work of poor quality, thus dragging down the entire exhibition. If nothing else, Rossetti suggests, the poor artwork should be hung inconspicuously rather than prominently, as has been past practice for this exhibition.

He also lauds the "outside" painters who are intent on creating good work and not pursuing Academy membership at the expense of the best artwork they can produce, a tacit but clear reference to Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

Some critical discussion of a small number of paintings follows the typical Rossetti pattern of description of the work, the design intended, the action in image and the meaning of the work.

He makes comparisons to demonstrate relative merit, once suggesting that a particular painting recalled the style of Sir John Everett Millais.

The best work in the exhibition is the landscapes, says Rossetti, but having discussed them briefly, he promises a further critical review of other paintings in a separate article.