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April Love

Arthur Hughes’ ‘April Love,’ painted in 1855–6, captures a moment of romantic crisis with masterful detail. Set against an ivy-clad arbor and featuring a woman gazing upwards, the painting embodies Pre-Raphaelite ideals—beauty, emotion, and symbolism—inspired by Tennyson's poem 'The Miller’s Daughter.'

Discover Arthur Hughes: Pre-Raphaelite painter of dreamy landscapes & portraits. Explore his magical style & iconic works like 'April Love'. #ArthurHughes #PreRaphaelites

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
Corner sample of the P118H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118H $10
Corner sample of the P118W picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118W $10
Corner sample of the P438Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P438Z $10
Corner sample of the P508JH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508JH $12
Corner sample of the P508YH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508YH $12
Corner sample of the P805H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805H $10
Corner sample of the P805Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805Z $10
Corner sample of the P919BZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919BZ $10
Corner sample of the P919G picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919G $10
Corner sample of the P919XJ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919XJ $10
Corner sample of the P959ZH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P959ZH $10
Corner sample of the P968JZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick
P968JZ $12
Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W106C $8
Corner sample of the W218G picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218G $10
Corner sample of the W218JH picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218JH $8
Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W307PJ $10
Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W398PJ $8
Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W4111J $10
Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
Corner sample of the W500JH picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W849H $8
Corner sample of the W940BG picture frame: solid wood, 7.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm thick
W940BG $15
Corner sample of the W953PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W953PJ $8

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Total Price

$ 81

April Love

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Notable elements or techniques: Detailed foliage, Symbolism
  • Artistic style: Romanticism
  • Influences: Tennyson
  • Movement: Pre-Raphaelite
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Year: 1855
  • Subject or theme: Love, Relationships

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic movement is Arthur Hughes’ ‘April Love’ associated with?
Question 2:
The painting depicts a scene of:
Question 3:
What symbolic element is represented by the fallen rose petals in ‘April Love’?
Question 4:
Who modeled for Hughes as the woman in ‘April Love’?
Question 5:
What poetic inspiration did Hughes draw upon when creating ‘April Love’?

April Love: A Pre-Raphaelite Echo of Fragility

Arthur Hughes’ “April Love,” completed in 1855–6, stands as one of the most poignant expressions of Romantic idealism within the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Exhibited at the Royal Academy alongside fellow artists like John Everett Millais and Holman Hunt, it immediately captivated audiences with its delicate beauty and subtle narrative—a testament to Hughes’ masterful ability to distill emotion into visual form.

  • Subject Matter: The painting depicts a young woman gazing down upon fallen rose petals as her suitor bends to offer a tender kiss. This seemingly simple tableau encapsulates the core theme of courtship and the inherent vulnerability associated with youthful romance.
  • Style & Technique: Hughes employed oil paint on canvas, utilizing a technique characterized by meticulous detail and luminous color palettes—a hallmark of Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics. The artist’s careful layering of pigments creates an ethereal atmosphere, capturing the fleeting beauty of springtime and mirroring the ephemeral nature of love itself.
  • Historical Context: Hughes' work emerged during a period of intense artistic experimentation and intellectual debate within Britain. Influenced by Tennyson’s poem “The Miller’s Daughter,” which explores themes of loss and regret, Hughes sought to convey not merely visual splendor but also profound psychological insight—a characteristic ambition of the Pre-Raphaelites who rejected academic conventions in favor of direct observation and emotional sincerity.
  • Symbolism: The fallen rose petals serve as a powerful symbol of decay and the inevitable end of youthful passion, juxtaposed against the hopeful gesture of the suitor’s hand. Hughes skillfully employs color—particularly the muted hues of lilac and the woman's purple dress—to evoke feelings of melancholy and tenderness, reinforcing the painting’s overarching message about accepting life’s transient beauty.
  • Emotional Impact: “April Love” resonates deeply with viewers due to its ability to capture a moment of profound emotional vulnerability. Hughes’ portrayal of longing glances and hesitant expressions invites contemplation on themes of desire, uncertainty, and the bittersweet realization that even the most cherished connections must eventually come to an end—a timeless exploration of human experience that continues to inspire admiration centuries later.

Hughes' meticulous attention to detail—evident in the rendering of the woman’s face and the delicate texture of the fabric—further elevates “April Love” as a masterpiece of Pre-Raphaelite art. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its visual splendor but also in its capacity to evoke empathy and provoke reflection on the complexities of human relationships.

Questions & Answers

Does "April Love" show strong light-dark contrasts?

"April Love" by Arthur Hughes shows a balanced contrast between its light and dark areas.

Is "April Love" by Arthur Hughes a painting, a drawing or a print?

"April Love" is a wall art piece.

What style does "April Love" belong to?

"April Love" is a work of Pre-Raphaelite. The movement indicates the artistic tradition the work is part of.

What is the creation date of "April Love" by Arthur Hughes?

The creation of "April Love" by Arthur Hughes is dated 1855.

Who is the artist behind "April Love"?

"April Love" was created by Arthur Hughes. The information on this page describes Arthur Hughes's original work.

Who sells hand-painted copies of "April Love" by Arthur Hughes?

"April Love" is available as a hand-painted oil reproduction on linen canvas. The order can be placed on this page, with a choice of sizes.

How old was Arthur Hughes when creating "April Love" in 1855?

Arthur Hughes made "April Love" at the age of 23. The artist was born in 1832 and the work is dated 1855.


Artist Biography

early life and training

arthur hughes, a british painter and illustrator associated with the pre-raphaelite brotherhood, was born in london on january 27, 1832. in 1846, he entered the art school at somerset house, where his first master was alfred stevens. later, he attended the royal academy schools, where he met john everett millais and holman hunt, becoming a part of the pre-raphaelite group of painters.

notable works and style

hughes' first picture, musidora, was exhibited at the royal academy when he was just 17. he continued to contribute to the royal academy and later to the grosvenor and new gallery exhibitions almost annually. his best-known works include april love and the long engagement, which depict troubled couples contemplating the transience of love and beauty, inspired by john everett millais's earlier "couple" paintings.

personal life and legacy

in 1855, hughes married tryphena foord, who was his model for april love. he died in kew green, london, on december 22, 1915, leaving behind approximately 700 known paintings and drawings, along with over 750 book illustrations. his daughter, emily, had to destroy his preparatory sketches and private papers due to a shortage of space after her mother's death in 1921.

artistic style and influences

magical, glowing coloring and delicate draughtsmanship characterize hughes' works. he was also influenced by the writer george macdonald, for whom he illustrated some books, and produced numerous illustrations for norman macleod's monthly magazine, good words.

key works and exhibitions

- april love, 1855 (exhibited at grosvenor gallery) - the long engagement, 1862 (exhibited at new gallery) - musidora, 1849 (exhibited at the royal academy)

notable museums and collections

- toledo museum of art (features hughes' ophelia) - victoria and albert museum (holds several of hughes' illustrations)
Arthur Hughes

Arthur Hughes

1832 - 1915 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Arthur Hughes
  • Nationality: British
  • Date Of Birth: 1832
  • Date Of Death: 1915
  • Place Of Birth: Pimlico, United Kingdom
  • Notable Artworks:
    • April Love
    • The Long Engagement
    • Musidora
  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Pre-Raphaelite
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Alfred Stevens
    • George Macdonald
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['John Everett Millais']
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