Sir John Everett Millais (1829-1896) was a prominent English painter and one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, an influential artistic movement in the mid-19th century. Millais was a versatile artist known for his contributions to various genres, including portraiture, historical painting, and landscape. Here are some key details about his life and career:

1. Early Life: John Everett Millais was born on June 8, 1829, in Southampton, England. He displayed artistic talent at an early age and began formal art training at the Royal Academy of Arts in London when he was just 11 years old.
2. Founding the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: In 1848, at the age of 19, Millais co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB) along with Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Holman Hunt. The PRB aimed to return to the detailed, vivid style of art that predated the High Renaissance and Raphael, with a focus on intricate detail, bright colors, and a rejection of academic conventions.
3. Pre-Raphaelite Style: Millais’ early works, particularly those created during his association with the PRB, are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail and intense, almost luminous colors. Some of his notable Pre-Raphaelite paintings include “Ophelia” (1851-1852) and “Christ in the House of His Parents” (1849-1850).
4. Evolving Style: Over time, Millais’ style evolved, and he moved away from the strict Pre-Raphaelite principles. He adopted a more naturalistic and less detailed approach in his later works, which included portraits and landscapes. His portraiture became highly sought after by the British aristocracy.
5. Academic Recognition: Millais received academic recognition for his work, becoming an Associate Member of the Royal Academy in 1853 and a full Academician in 1863. This marked a departure from the PRB’s initial anti-establishment stance.
6. Later Career: In his later career, Millais produced a wide range of works, including society portraits and scenes from contemporary life. He became a highly successful portrait painter, and his clientele included members of the British royal family.
7. Legacy: Sir John Everett Millais left a significant mark on the art world of his time. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and later contributed to the Victorian art scene with his portraits and genre paintings. His works continue to be admired for their technical skill and emotional depth.

John Everett Millais remains a notable figure in the history of British art, and his contributions to both the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the Victorian art scene continue to be studied and appreciated by art enthusiasts and scholars today.