The Lady of Shallot

What is known of the activities and the motives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood? Was it just a reactionary movement, a natural aversion to the social effects of industrialization?
There were a number of movements in the closing years of the 19th century, and all shared a romantic vision of what human life should be. Here is a fine example. Check it out. Is it possible that they were right?

Below is Bougereau's "The Broken Pitcher."