Emanating a wistful sense of tragedy, John William Waterhouse’s “Lady of Shalott” illustrates Tennyson’s 1883 poem depicts the fate of an isolated woman who becomes cursed when she falls in love with Lancelot. A Neo-Classical artist inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite style and themes, Waterhouse (1849 – 1917) usually painted doomed or powerful women. Achieving popularity in his lifetime, Waterhouse created more than 200 paintings.
Neo-Classical artist John William Waterhouse was renowned for lifelike, lavish works that were hauntingly sensual. Born in Italy and raised in England, Waterhouse (1849 – 1917) was a leading painter of historical, mythological, and literary subjects. His work had strong romantic Pre-Raphaelite influences, with a strong Victorian narrative. Waterhouse was a member of the Royal Academy, and often painted powerful or doomed women. Achieving success during his lifetime, Waterhouse created more than 200 artworks.