Today's
painting dates back to the 1840's . The painter, Millais, was part of the
Pre-Raphaelites. You can see that he
has put "PRB" on the seat on which Isabella is sitting – this stands
for the Pre Raphaelite Brotherhood.
The
painting is based on the gory story of Lorenzo and Isabella – Lorenzo is the
chap extending his rather shapely leg towards Isabella – a bit weird! But Isabella's dress is just fabulous.
Millais
used his friends and family to model for the scene. He sold the painting to a tailor in return
for a suit of clothes and £150 – a lot of money, I guess, in those days.
But why has he got his leg stuck out like that? I have always wondered about it!
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