Dew Drenched Furze 1890

Sir John Everett Millais created this evocative landscape, "Dew Drenched Furze," during a period of immense social and environmental change. As England industrialized, there was a growing interest in the natural world which you can see mirrored in the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Millais’ intense focus on detail, particularly the textures of the furze and the glistening dew, invites you into a deeply sensory experience of nature. However, this wasn't simply about pretty scenery. The Pre-Raphaelites, including Millais, were often interested in the relationship between the natural world and spiritual or emotional states. In the painting's quiet, contemplative mood, we can almost feel the cool dampness and smell the earthy scent of the woods. What does it mean to turn away from industrialization and towards nature? What aspects of the artist's identity and experience might have shaped his choice to depict this scene? Through its intimate portrayal of the English landscape, "Dew Drenched Furze" offers a glimpse into the cultural values and emotional currents of Victorian society.