John Everett Millais was born on 8 June 1829 at Southhampton, England, youngest of 3 children of John William Millais and Emily Mary Hodgkinson, née Evamy. He is expelled from school, but his mother assumes his education with art lessons by a Mr Bessel.

Admitted to the Royal Academy in 1840 where he stays until 1847, after having spent about two years at Sass' Art Academy from 1838-40.

In 1848 he shares his studio at 87 Gower Street with fellow painter Holeman Hunt. This year he also meets Daniel Gabriel Rossetti. These three, together with William Rossetti, F.G. Stephens, Thoomas Woolner and James Collins form the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood .