John Everett Millais - The White Cockade

The Pre-Raphaelites’ love for history extended beyond the Medieval Period. Scottish history was made popular during the Victorian era through the novels of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). Millais was particularly attracted to the romantic period of Scottish history during which the Jacobites attempted to restore the Stuarts to the Scottish throne. The central figure, in mock 18th-century dress, sews a cockade (a knot of ribbons) onto a tricorn hat, signifying the wearer’s loyalty to the Stuarts. (see references)