My Favorite Artists and Their Art: John William Waterhouse

I've been a great admirer of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their artistic style for a very long time now. Of all the artists associated with the movement, I think that John William Waterhouse is probably my favorite. This is partly because Waterhouse was consistently brilliant in his creation of evocative scenes inspired by mythology, historical legend, and classic literature. However, while this aspect of his art appeals to me on an intellectual level, I find myself also drawn in by the delicate sense of bittersweet romance and unrequited love on an emotional level. Waterhouse was one of the last Pre-Raphaelite artists and yet his work overshadows many of the lesser known artists of the movement who came before him.

A Mermaid (1901)


The Lady of Shalott (1888)


A Naiad (1893)


Lamia I (1905)


Echo and Narcissus (1903)


Ophelia (1894)


Hylas and the Nymphs (1896)


The Crystal Ball (1902)


A Hamadryad (1893)


Circe Invidiosa (1892)


Lamia II (1909)


Circe Offering the Cup to Odysseus (1891)