The Eve of Saint Agnes

William Holman Hunt illustrated John Keats's poem "The Eve of St. Agnes" with the jewel-like colors and fine detail characteristic of Pre-Raphaelite painting. The scene shows Madeline preparing for bed on the eve when maidens might dream of their future husbands.

Hunt was a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, dedicated to the detailed naturalism of early Renaissance art. Literary subjects were central to the movement. This painting hangs at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.