
Edward Robert Hughes (1851–1914): Edward Robert Hughes, a British painter of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, was closely associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the Aestheticism movement. Hughes, who studied at the Royal Academy Schools and assisted the elder William Holman Hunt (co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelites), built his fame on both high-society portraiture and mystical, highly detailed fantasy scenes. His most famous works, like Night with Her Train of Stars and Midsummer Eve, are characterized by a soft, luminous glow, achieved through meticulous work in watercolor and gouache, often featuring fairies, mythological maidens, and themes of twilight and dreams. The Pre-Raphaelite influence is evident in his painstaking detail, rich symbolism, and vibrant, jewel-toned palettes. Stitching a Hughes design offers an immersive journey into a mystical world, where every carefully placed color of embroidery floss contributes to the shimmering, otherworldly atmosphere. It is a deeply rewarding project that lets you capture the poetic, romantic spirit of a truly enchanting era in art.