Date: 1894
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 47 x 27 in
Location: Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK
John William Waterhouse's The Lady of Shalott Looking at LanceLOT demonstrates the artist's affinity for themes of unrequited love. Waterhouse portrayed the embowered and cursed Lady of Shalott in three different versions. Her brush strokes add meaning to her body language, which conveys her desire for autonomy. Waterhouse also uses her accessories to support her character.
This painting is an example of the Pre-Raphaelite style, a movement that sought to paint in the manner of Raphael. Pre-Raphaelite painters took inspiration from British literature, including King Arthur legends and poetry by Keats. They also explored Ancient Mythology. Although his paintings often featured heroic figures, his most famous works portray women with a mysterious aura.
