Waiting

John Everett Millais

Date: 1854 

Materials: Oil on wood panel

Greater independence

Although it carries the brilliant colour of Millais's earlier landscapes, the work contains less of the precise detailing of nature that is associated with Ruskinian Pre-Raphaelitism.

Even in such a minor work, this is evidence of his emerging independence, pursuing instead a more effective visual and emotional suggestion of atmosphere and mood. 

Millais marries Effie

In the summer of 1853, Millais had painted a small oil of Effie, wife of John Ruskin, while painting the critic's portrait at Glenfinlas in Scotland. This was a token of their growing love, and after an annulment of the marriage, Effie was to become Millais's wife in 1855. During this period of social upheaval, Millais was unable to complete a major painting for the Royal Academy exhibition of 1854, but did produce several 'cabinet' pictures, including 'Waiting' (also called 'The Stile').