John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse has long been one of my favorite artists because his paintings are so nuanced and his subject matter so alluring, intellectually as well as aesthetically. It seemed appropriate to revisit his work as one list cannot possibly encompass the extensive catalog of paintings that are his legacy. Following in the footsteps of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, J. W. Waterhouse turned towards classical Graeco-Roman mythology and medieval fables (particularly Arthurian legends which he delved into repeatedly) for his inspiration. This subject matter resulted in images that were not only beautiful, but also infused with the iconic archetypes found in all European lore, giving them a timeless quality that has enabled Waterhouse to grow in popularity over the years. His work was emblematic of the latter Victorian Era, though he was not as widely recognized as other artists during that period that worked in similar movements, and yet today his oeuvre is quite celebrated for its idealized depictions of feminine beauty.

“Pandora” (1896)

“The Magic Circle” (1886)

“Ophelia” (1889)

“La Belle Dame sans Merci” (1893)

“Ulysses and the Sirens” (1891)

“Miranda – The Tempest” (1916)

“Boreas” (1903)

“‘I Am Half Sick of Shadows,’ Said the Lady of Shalott” (1915)

“Windflowers” (1902)

“Flora and the Zephyrs” (1897)

“The Lady of Shalott Looking at Lancelot” (1894)

“A Study for ‘A Mermaid'” (1892)

: “Pandora” (1896)

: “The Magic Circle” (1886)

: “Ophelia” (1889)

: “La Belle Dame sans Merci” (1893)

: “Ulysses and the Sirens” (1891)

: “Miranda – The Tempest” (1916)

: “Boreas” (1903)

: “‘I Am Half Sick of Shadows,’ Said the Lady of Shalott” (1915)

: “Windflowers” (1902)

: “Flora and the Zephyrs” (1897)

: “The Lady of Shalott Looking at Lancelot” (1894)

: “A Study for ‘A Mermaid'” (1892)

I’ve been a great admirer of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their artistic style for a very long time now. Of all the artists associated with the movement, I think that John William Waterhouse is probably my favorite. This is partly because Waterhouse was consistently brilliant in his creation of evocative scenes inspired by mythology, historical legend, and classic literature. However, while this aspect of his art appeals to me on an intellectual level, I find myself also drawn in by the delicate sense of bittersweet romance and unrequited love on an emotional level. Waterhouse created images of women who were more than mortal women. They are beautiful, seductive, and melancholy representations of our collective longings manifested on the canvas of a master. Waterhouse was one of the last Pre-Raphaelite artists and yet his work overshadows many of the lesser known artists of the movement who came before him.