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Biography
Who was John William Waterhouse?
Born in Rome, Italy
1849
Died in London, United Kingdom
1917
Age at death
67
Works on this page
12
Museums to visit
7
John William Waterhouse (baptised 6 April 1849 – 10 February 1917) was an English painter known for working first in the Academic style and for then embracing the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's style and subject matter. His paintings are known for their depictions of women from ancient Greek mythology, Arthurian legend, and the works of William Shakespeare. A high proportion depict a single young and beautiful woman in a historical costume and setting, though there are some ventures into Orientalist painting and genre painting, still mostly featuring women.From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The life and work of John William Waterhouse
“Waterhouse’s career was a progression from classical restriction to a free application of plein-air techniques to subjects drawn from mythology. “Jeremy Maas, Victorian Painters.
John William Waterhouse was born to English parents in Rome, Italy but returned to England to attend the Royal Academy Schools. Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema was one of his earliest influences and he painted Graeco Roman subjects along the lines of Edwin Long, a painter of portraits, historical and biblical genre.
The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a major inspiration on Waterhouse and he adapted many of their classical and literary themes for his own compositions. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1874 and went on to exhibit there many times throughout his career. Some of his most distinctive paintings depicting romantic and poetic subjects include ‘The Lady of Shallot’ (1888) and ‘St. Cecilia’ (1895) for example. As well as these Pre-Raphaelite works he also produced a number of large scale historical and biblical paintings.
Waterhouse enjoyed considerable success with frequent exhibitions and support from many distinguished patrons. He worked prodigiously right up until his death, leaving his final work ‘The Enclosed Garden’ unfinished.
What are John William Waterhouse's most famous works?
Well-known works by John William Waterhouse include Hylas and the Nymphs, The Lady of Shalott, Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses, Sleep and his Half-brother Death and Echo and Narcissus.
Where can I see John William Waterhouse's art?
Museums holding the works on this page include Tate (London); Art Gallery of South Australia (Adelaide); Manchester Art Gallery (Manchester); Gallery Oldham (Oldham); Walker Art Gallery (Liverpool). Check with each museum that a work is on display before you visit.
