![]() They recycled their life models, so majority of the paintings bear resemblance to the others. ![]() Majority of their paintings featured red haired, beautiful women, with intricate and dynamic features. This revolutionary group, established in 1848, were known for their detailed, intensely coloured work. It’s interesting that Collins wanted John Everett Millais to illustrate the novel, as he was an important member of the Pre Raphaelite brotherhood. The modern reader will probably think why? What’s wrong with a redhead? Unfortunately, Victorians associated red locks with female villainy. Ozias Midwinter is horrified by her hair, noting that ‘It was red.’ This short sentence emphasises the drama of the revelation, which is also signposted by the italics. We know Lydia is antithetical to the desired Victorian woman by her physical appearance as well as her character. I mean, in her first appearance she notes that she does ‘hate’ women… which is strange enough as usually, women club together and support each other in bonds of sisterhood. She was truly the antithesis of the demure, domestic and good-natured Victorian woman. It’s no surprise given her status in the story as a liar, bigamist, husband poisoner and temptress. ![]() Lydia Gwilt is the standout character of Wilkie Collins’s ‘Armadale,’ so much so that her wicked ways horrified Victorian readers. ![]()
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