The Eve of St. Agnes Value Guide

Painted in 1856 by Arthur Hughes, a key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, 'The Eve of St. Agnes' is a significant work inspired by John Keats' romantic poetry. This piece is highly collectible for its meticulous detail and the artist's signature luminous color palette, which epitomizes the movement's revival of early Renaissance aesthetics.

What affects the value of The Eve of St. Agnes?

• The current market valuation for this specific work ranges from $2,000 to $2,200 based on recent historical data.
• The condition of the oil paint and canvas, specifically the absence of significant cracking or previous restoration, heavily impacts the price.
• Provenance and documentation linking the piece directly to Arthur Hughes' 1856 production increase its desirability among Pre-Raphaelite collectors.
• The integrity and era-appropriateness of the wood frame can add or detract from the overall appraisal value.

How to Identify The Eve of St. Agnes?

• Look for the characteristic Pre-Raphaelite attention to fine detail within the richly decorated interior and the textures of the young girl's clothing.
• Verify the medium as oil on canvas, typically housed in a period-appropriate wood frame consistent with mid-19th-century British craftsmanship.
• Confirm the subject matter depicts a young girl accompanied by a cat, a specific narrative choice by Hughes for this 1856 interpretation.
• Check for the artist's distinct luminous color application which creates a glowing effect typical of Hughes' early works.

History of The Eve of St. Agnes

Arthur Hughes, a prominent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, created this painting in 1856. The work is inspired by John Keats' poem of the same name, which tells a romantic tale set on the eve of St. Agnes' feast day. Hughes' meticulous attention to detail and luminous color palette are characteristic of the Pre-Raphaelite style, which sought to revive the richness and detail of early Renaissance art.