The Light of the World 1860

This mezzotint of "The Light of the World" was made by William Henry Simmons, after William Holman Hunt. Hunt belonged to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, who rejected the Royal Academy's promotion of Classical art. The image creates meaning through its visual codes. In Victorian England, the lantern, crown and door would have been easily recognised as symbols of Christ. This imagery challenged the established church, portraying a more personal and direct connection to the divine. The Pre-Raphaelites sought to critique the industrial revolution, returning to spiritual and medieval themes, emphasising the importance of the individual. Looking closer, art historians examine letters, diaries, and exhibition reviews to understand its impact. Knowing the social and institutional context reveals "The Light of the World" to be a progressive statement. Art like this reflects social structures and has the power to challenge these.