The Awakening Conscience
William Holman Hunt · 1853
Why it's great
A woman jumps up from her lover's lap in a fancy room, as if she suddenly realizes something. Hunt packed the painting with symbols, like a cat chasing a bird. He wanted to teach a moral lesson, in the Victorian way. It's famous for its fine detail.
Where to see it
📍 Tate BritainLondon, United Kingdom
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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William Holman Hunt was born in London and, with Millais and Rossetti, founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848. He traveled to the Middle East to paint biblical scenes with realistic backgrounds. His most famous painting is 'The Light of the World'. He died in London in 1910.
