John William Waterhouse (1849-1917) was an English painter best known for his works associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, though he embraced this style long after its inception and combined it with the academic techniques of his own era.
Born in Rome to English parents, Waterhouse was later based in London where he trained at the Royal Academy of Arts. Despite his training in academic realism, Waterhouse was heavily influenced by earlier Pre-Raphaelite painters, particularly their themes rooted in mythology, literature, and romanticism.
His style is characterized by a dreamy and atmospheric quality. He often painted strong, enchanting female figures placed in evocative settings taken from myth, legend, or poetry. Among his most iconic works are “The Lady of Shalott”, “Hylas and the Nymphs”, and “Ophelia”, each drawing from rich literary or mythological sources.
Waterhouse’s inspirations came not just from earlier Pre-Raphaelite artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais, but also from classical texts and Romantic poets. His portrayals of women, whether as tragic heroines or mystical figures, became emblematic of his work.
Although his style was somewhat anachronistic, especially during the rise of modern art movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Waterhouse’s work remained popular and has since seen a resurgence of interest. Contemporary fantasy artists and enthusiasts of neo-romanticism often cite him as a significant influence.
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_William_Waterhouse
https://www.wikiart.org/en/john-william-waterhouse
