John William Waterhouse Paintings

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  • Lamia (version 1) 1905

    Lamia (version 1) 1905

    Lamia_and_the_Soldier

    The artist John William Waterhouse painted several paintings of the mythological figure. The work is one of his most popular. The piece depicts Lamia’s transformation into a beautiful maiden who seduces her male prey. The replica canvas captures the texture and depth of color of the original. The bright gold-toned ribbed frame has a decorative acanthus leaf border. It is the perfect canvas for any home.

    Another famous painting by Waterhouse is the mythological character Lamia from ancient Greek mythology. This character was punished by her king and wife Hera. Hera killed her children and transformed Lamia into a monster. The story goes on to explain how the goddess was saved by the god Zeus. The goddess wanted to help Lamia, so Zeus gave her the power to kill her own eyes. After the two met, they worked together and found a solution.

    The story is based on a myth involving Lamia, a mythological character from the Greek mythology. Hera’s wife punished her for having an affair with Zeus and subsequently turned her into a monster. She could not sleep, and Zeus wished to help her. The god also gave her the ability to shoot her own eyes. But the hero was not satisfied with this power. This monster had a heart of gold.

    The original myth of Lamia tells about the demon Lamia and her children, who were sacrificed to make her king. Hera’s punishment was to turn her into a snake-like creature that seduces her male prey. This story was later adapted to the modern world in a poem by John Keats. This poem inspired poets Edgar Allan Poe and the Genesis band.

     

  • Psyche Opening the Door into Cupid’s Garden 1904

    Psyche Opening the Door into Cupid’s Garden 1904

    Psyche_Opening_the_Door_into_Cupid's_Garden

    Date: 1904
    Medium: Oil on canvas
    Size: 109 x 71 cm
    Location: Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, Lancashire, UK

    Psyche opens the door into Cupids’ garden. She is dressed in an elegant dress and pushes a large wooden door. The painting depicts her as a young woman who wears light skin and has red-brown hair tied back in a bun. Her dress has beautiful folds, which reveal her shoulder as she peeps into the garden.

  • Psyche Opening the Golden Box 1903

    Psyche Opening the Golden Box 1903

    Date: 1903
    Medium: Oil on canvas
    Size: 117 x 74 cm
    Location:

    Psyche Opening the Golden Box 1903 was painted by John William Waterhouse. The young female figure in the foreground appears to be Psyche. Psyche’s golden box is on a stone feature in the woods. The figure is wearing feminine clothing and is seated on the stone feature overlooking a small pond. Waterhouse chose the size of the canvas to suit the size of the gallery.

    In Greek mythology, Psyche is the daughter of a king. Venus had eyed her as a rival and ordered Cupid to infect her heart with love for the outcast. Cupid became enamored with Psyche and began to visit her chamber every night. He remained invisible. Psyche was warned not to look at Cupid, but the goddess accidentally spilled hot oil on his shoulder. The story reveals the thorny relationship between Psyche and Cupid.

    Psyche-Waterhouse

  • Echo and Narcissus 1903

    Echo and Narcissus 1903

    Date: 1903
    Medium: Oil on canvas
    Size: 109 x 189 cm
    Location: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK

    Artist John William Waterhouse painted the tragic story of Echo and Narcissus in 1903. This work exemplifies his neo-classical romantic realism, featuring beautiful figures, soft colours, and an unwavering sense of realism. Waterhouse created many paintings featuring nymphs and their tragic love affairs. However, this one of his most popular works is not yet well-known.

    Waterhouse is renowned for depicting beauty in his works, and this is evident in “Echo and Narcissus.” The nymphs, or beautiful women, are portrayed as sultry and sexy, with soft robes and a partially exposed bosom. The painting’s high level of realism and story-telling skills make it a favourite with art lovers.

    While the motifs of the painting are familiar, Waterhouse used his skillful use of light and colour to retell stories and myths. His work was heavily influenced by classical mythology, particularly the story of the beautiful Narcissus, the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Lyripe. The poet also depicts the beauty of the nymph in her naked form, allowing her to act as a central character in a complex narrative painting.

    Although she was a jilted lover, the mountain nymph had a cursed fate. Hera took away her voice, so she could only repeat the last words of others. Despite this, she was already miserable before Narcissus broke her heart. This is perhaps the main reason for the work’s success. It’s hard to get this right. However, the work of art is truly remarkable.

    The story of Echo and Narcissus was based on the Greek myth of the same name. In the myth, Narcissus, the beautiful son of the river god, was rejected by many women who fell in love with him. The nymph Echo, however, was unable to make love to the man who rejected her. In the end, the goddess Nemesis listened to the nymph’s plea for revenge and arranged for Narcissus to fall in love with his own reflection. He then continued to gaze at the mirror until he died.

    Despite his rejection by his lover, Narcissus becomes obsessed with his own reflection. His self-absorbed nature leads him to fall in love with his reflection, only to realize too late that he was in love with himself. Eventually, he dies, and the flower of his name was born. The narcissus flower has been the symbol of love for centuries. There are many versions of the story, but none are quite like the classic version.

    Echo_and_Narcissus

  • Boreas 1903

    Boreas 1903

    Date: 1903
    Medium: Oil on canvas
    Size:
    Location:

    “Boreas,” a Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece, shows a young girl bracing against a north wind, which is named after the Greek god of the north wind. The lady is dressed in purple and slate-coloured garments, and her cool silk veil is a symbol of her protection.

    Although Waterhouse isn’t as famous as many other Pre-Raphaelites, his work is on display in several major British art galleries. In 2009, the Royal Academy of Arts organized a major retrospective of his work. In the meantime, Waterhouse’s works can be found in private collections worldwide. This era of painting is particularly rich in Pre-Raphaelite paintings, and he’s a fine choice for anyone looking for a classic, timeless painting.

    Waterhouse paid equal attention to the background of his paintings, and he used muted colors to avoid distracting from the main scene. These muted colors, however, help the viewer feel the atmosphere of the work. For example, his portrait of Zephyrus and Windflowers are both romantic in tone. The wind-tossed clothing of the women in this painting also reflects romanticism. Although the artist chose to depict the characters in mythological settings, he also painted many mythological figures and landscapes.

    Boreas

  • Windflowers 1902

    Windflowers 1902

    Date: 1903
    Medium: Oil on canvas
    Size: 45 x 31 in
    Location:

    The painting Windflowers 1902 by John William Waterhouse was one of his most well-known works, and remains a prized possession in private collections. It was painted in 1902, and the artist is still associated with the painting, although it was not shown publicly until 1903.

    Among his other famous paintings, Windflowers is known for depicting the Lady of Shalott, a tragic figure from English Romanticism. She is a cursed young woman, who chooses to die on a boat sailing to Camelot. The painting also features two swallows, which symbolize resurrection, and the Lady of Shalott, an English poet. The painting is a perfect example of romanticism at its best.

    Windswept

  • The Missal 1902

    The Missal 1902

    Date: 1902
    Medium: Oil on canvas
    Size:
    Location:

    The Missal is a painting by John William Waterhouse that features an open window in a room. Waterhouse often featured small windows around the room and these have a symbolic value. Waterhouse often included a fruit tree or garden outside the window. It is a beautiful, serene setting. Waterhouse even incorporated a little stained glass detail to the window. However, the scene outside the window is dark, which contradicts the theme of the painting.

    Waterhouse’s work is often associated with the Pre-Raphaelites. Like many Pre-Raphaelites, Waterhouse enjoyed classical history and mythology. He joined the Royal Academy in 1885 and became a full academician in 1895. His work appealed to the masses but his academic and technical ability garnered him respect among his peers. Waterhouse’s paintings are also an excellent option for people who want a return to the past.

    The Missal oil painting reproduction can be purchased in many different sizes at Outpost Art. You can buy this painting on canvas to hang in your home, office, or any room you like.

    John_William_Waterhouse_-_The_Missal

  • The Crystal Ball 1902

    The Crystal Ball 1902

    Date: 1902
    Medium: Oil on canvas
    Size: 47 1/2 x 31 in
    Location: Private collection

    The Crystal Ball by John William Waterhouse is one of the first paintings attributed to the English artist. It depicts a young woman who appears to be enchanted with magic. The young lady holds a crystal ball, wand, and a book of signs. There is also a skull that disappears in the middle of the painting. The painting’s previous owner probably changed the composition to conceal the skull, but the restoration process has returned it to its original state. The painting now resides in a private collection.

    The Crystal Ball 1902 by John William Waterhause was finished in 1902. It sat alongside a painting called The Missal. The Crystal Ball is consistent with Waterhouse’s style, which remained consistent throughout his career. It is in the hands of an individual who appreciates this piece and would enjoy owning it. Although it is in a private collection, Waterhouse’s artwork has been adapted to reflect the current style of the modern era.

    John_William_Waterhouse_-_The_Crystal_Ball

  • The Mermaid 1901

    The Mermaid 1901

    Date: 1900
    Medium: Oil on canvas
    Size: 98 x 67 cm
    Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London, UK

    The Mermaid 1901 by John William Water-house is an elegant painting that takes its inspiration from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem of the same name. Waterhouse painted the composition in the year 1900 and it was well-received by the Royal Academy. The artist’s connection to the Royal Academy remained strong for many decades. However, many critics say that the painting isn’t what it seems.

    The original oil sketch of the mermaid was signed by John William Waterhouse in 1892. The painting is now in the private collection of a New Yorker. The artist was obsessed with the motif for at least eight years before he eventually completed the large oil painting known as A Mermaid. The painting was Waterhouse’s Diploma Work at the Royal Academy. Waterhouse was chronically late with his work and it must have taken him a long time to complete the painting. Regardless of the lateness of his work, the artist must have agonised over the composition and its enduring impact.

    The Mermaid is the first of the many paintings of mermaids by John William Waterhouse. The work is based on sketches by Waterhouse and was inspired by The Siren. In the painting, two water nymphs seek out the floating head of the musician Orpheus. The relationship between these two figures is similar to that of the siren and the mariner. The woman appears lonely and alone, while the male figure is busy with her music.

    Despite the feminine-oriented portrayals in Waterhouse’s The Mermaid, the story’s dark side often remains hidden. It is possible that the woman is a mermaid who is seeking love among mermen. This story explains why The Mermaid is not quite as innocent as many people believe. Although she looks like a beautiful girl, she may be a seductive trap for men.

    John_William_Waterhouse_-_Mermaid

  • Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus 1900

    Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus 1900

    Waterhouse’s fascination with ancient myth and violence is evident in his work. In his other works, such as Ulysses and the Sirens, he focused on the more violent aspects of the myth. Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus 1900 is one such example. The nymphs’ kindly gazes draw the viewer into the picture, despite the violent nature of the scene. However, the nymphs’ more horrified body language also plays a role in drawing the viewer in.

    Waterhouse’s nymphs paintings, such as Hylas and the Nymphs, reflect his influences as an artist from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His relationship with the Royal Academy was one of his most successful. While he did work with other artists and painters, he also painted many works of a similar style. His pieces often reflect the style and vision of the Aesthetic Movement. His depictions of women finding Orpheus’ head are reminiscent of Jane Morris, a famous Pre-Raphaelite, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s muse, Jane Morris.

    The myth is an interesting one. In the myth, Orpheus saved the Argonauts from the Sirens. He also married Eurydice, but she died from a snakebite. After Eurydice’s death, Orpheus ventured to the underworld to find her. He managed to charm the guardians of the River Styx, the ferryman Charon, and the dog Cerberus. Once he reached Hades, he sang his way through. After singing, he requested that Eurydice be returned to him. He was granted his wish, and Hades returned his beloved to him.

    Nymphs_finding_the_Head_of_Orpheus