1851–1852
Elizabeth Siddal sits for “Ophelia”
For Ophelia (1851–52), his best-known painting, Millais portrayed Rossetti’s beloved Elizabeth Siddal as the heroine. The dense, elaborate pictorial surface, weaving the figure into the natural world, has been described as a kind of “pictorial eco-system”.
1853
Elected an associate member of the Royal Academy
In 1853 Millais was elected an associate member of the Royal Academy of Arts.
summer 1853
A summer at Glenfinlas: falling in love with Effie Ruskin
In the summer of 1853 John Ruskin and his wife Effie invited Millais to spend the summer with them at Glenfinlas, where Millais and Effie fell in love. Effie modelled for his The Order of Release; her marriage to Ruskin, which had lasted several years, was annulled after her parents realised something was wrong and she filed for annulment, and Millais and Effie then married.
3 July 1855
Married: Effie Gray
1855–1857
After his marriage he changes manner: faster and dearer
Marriage changed Millais: to support his growing family he began to paint more quickly and in greater quantity and to sell his pictures dearly, moving away from Pre-Raphaelite principles. Effie became a powerful promoter of his work, and together they secured commissions and widened their circle; he gained great popularity and a fortune (up to £30,000 a year), while William Morris and other critics accused him of selling out.