Date: 1916
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 98 x 136 cm
Location:
The paintings of Miranda The Tempest are not only beautiful, but they also offer hope that the play's tragic events will have a happy ending. Waterhouse used the most tragic lines from the play to create a series of unique scenes, and in doing so, he created a painting that conveys the desperation and hopelessness of Miranda's character. Although Waterhouse's work is known for embracing unconventional artistic methods, he was often inspired by other art forms to create his works.
One of the most striking features of Miranda is the storm that rages in the background. It is painted in cold tones, underscoring the dramatic sense of loss and numbness. The ship itself is sliced and thrown about by powerful waves, leading the viewer's gaze towards the threatening rocks. The painting is reminiscent of Waterhouse's earlier version of Miranda, painted in 1875. The painting demonstrates the artist's skill and confidence.
This painting of Miranda is a highly effective representation of the drama surrounding the fateful journey of the young boy Ferdinand. It highlights the ambiguity of the situation by presenting the storm in cold tones. It focuses the viewer's gaze towards the threatening rocks that threaten to destroy the ship. In addition to Waterhouse's brilliant and confident use of color, Waterhouse incorporated the theme of the tragedy in many of his works in the early 1870s.
Despite being a pre-Raphaelite masterpiece, Miranda is one of Shakespeare's most celebrated works. A well-crafted reproduction of the play by John William Waterhouse will be ready for hanging in a home or office. The artist's intention is to capture the drama of the play in an appealing manner. In addition to its artistic quality, Miranda is considered one of the most popular paintings of Shakespeare in the world.