John William Waterhouse Oil Painting Reproductions

Discover the Pre Raphaelite Paintings of John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse is a prominent artist associated with Pre Raphaelite art and Romanticism paintings. He is well-known for his stunning and enchanting oil paintings characterized by vibrant colors, intricate details, and an ethereal beauty.

Oil paintings by John William Waterhouse often draw inspiration from classical mythology, literature, and historical events. He was particularly fascinated with the female form, portraying women as powerful and mysterious figures. His attention to detail and the skillful use of light and shadow in his paintings create a sense of depth and realism.

Who Was John William Waterhouse?

John William Waterhouse was a British Artist, although he was born in Rome, Italy, in 1849. Both of his parents, William and Isabella Waterhouse, were artists. At 22, he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Art School.

Waterhouse and the Raphaelites.

The key members of the Pre Raphaelite Brotherhood include Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt. These artists were united in their dissatisfaction with the academic art of their time and their desire to return to the detailed and vibrant style of painting that was prevalent before the time of the Renaissance paintings by Raphael.

The influence of the Pre-Raphaelite artists on paintings by John William Waterhouse is apparent, and these influential Victorian artists played an important part in his development as an artist. The influence of Pre Raphaelites was not simply a passing phase but a foundational aspect that became deeply ingrained in his artistic identity.

Themes and Subjects in Waterhouse's Art.

One of the most intriguing aspects of famous paintings by John William Waterhouse is his fascination with Roman mythology. He consistently uses mythological themes, motifs, and characters as artistic inspiration. Through his Pre-Raphaelite art, Waterhouse pays homage to the classic myths and legends of antiquity and breathes new life into these age-old tales, allowing them to transcend time and captivate art lovers.

Famous Pre Raphaelite Paintings by John William Waterhouse.

1. The Soul of the Rose.  The Soul of the Rose is one of the most famous romantic paintings by Pre-Raphaelite artist John William Waterhouse. This is one of our most popular paintings depicting a young woman holding a single red rose, her gaze fixed upon it with a mixture of longing and melancholy. The painting exudes a sense of romanticism, with the woman's flowing gown and the soft lighting creating an ethereal atmosphere.
    
2. The Lady of Shalott Painting. One of his most famous paintings, The Lady of Shalott, depicts the tragic story of a woman cursed to live in a tower and weave tapestries. John William Waterhouse based his painting on Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem of the same name. It captures the moment when the Lady of Shalott sees Sir Lancelot in her mirror and decides to leave her tower, ultimately leading to her tragic demise.
    
3. A Mermaid by John William Waterhouse Created in c1900, Waterhouse’s Mermaid painting captures the enchanting allure of a mermaid, a mythical creature that has fascinated and captivated people's imaginations for centuries. The Mermaid, with her fish-like tail and ethereal beauty, is depicted lounging on a jagged rock in the middle of a shimmering turquoise sea. Her long, flowing hair cascades down her back, blending seamlessly with the crashing waves, and her mesmerizing eyes gaze out to the sea.
   
   Waterhouse perhaps drew inspiration from another Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem, The Mermaid, written in 1830, for his pre-Raphaelite painting. The original oil on canvas painting forms part of the Royal Academy Collection.
    
4. Circe Invidiosa. John William Waterhouse's painting Circe Invidiosa is a stunning masterpiece painting of the mythical sorceress Circe. It is a breathtaking painting completed in 1892. Every brushstroke vividly brings this mythical painting to life. The captivating tale of Circe Invidiosa depicts the sorceress named Circe, known for her ability to transform her enemies into animals. Circe’s cunning and enchanting powers have become a staple in ancient mythology. The myth of Circe reflects power struggles, desires, and consequences arising from immense magical abilities. The use of color in Circe Invidiosa adds to the overall impact of the painting. Waterhouse employs a rich color palette, emphasizing the otherworldly nature of the scene.
    
5. Boreas Painting 1903. Boreas Painting by John William Waterhouse is a famous Pre Raphaelite artwork depicting a young girl subjected to the cold north wind of Boreas, the Greek God of storms and winter. Boreas painting resurfaced during the 1990’s when it was sold to a private collector, having been missing for almost 90 years.
    
6. Ophelia 1894. Waterhouse created several versions of Shakespeare’s heroine Ophelia. The 1894 oil painting is in a private collection and portrays Ophelia in her final moments before drowning in the millpond. Ophelia, the tragic character from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, has long been associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement. These artists, who sought to emulate Renaissance art, are recognized for their attention to detail, vibrant color palette, and emotional intensity. The Pre-Raphaelites found Ophelia's character appealing because she embodies innocence, madness, and unrequited love themes. Through their paintings, the Pre Raphaelites sought to capture the essence of Ophelia's tragic journey. These paintings symbolize the contrasting elements of her existence: purity and despair, life and death. The Pre-Raphaelite Ophelia paintings serve as a poignant reminder of the power of art to immortalize a literary character with lasting beauty and resonance.

The Legacy of John William Waterhouse.

As an accomplished Victorian artist, Waterhouse experienced considerable success during his lifetime. His artistic career was nothing short of extraordinary, and he was highly esteemed by his contemporaries and celebrated as one of the most influential Victorian painters of his time.

John William Waterhouse's famous paintings transport art lovers to a world of enchantment and beauty. Through his captivating storytelling, Waterhouse's paintings inspire and captivate audiences. Whether it is the tragic tale of The Lady of Shalott or the alluring beauty of Hylas and the Nymphs, Waterhouse's paintings leave a lasting impression on all who encounter them. His work serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to captivate, inspire, and transport us to different worlds and times.

Reproduction Art of Pre-Raphaelite Paintings.

Reproduction oil paintings are artworks replicating the original pieces created by famous artists. These reproductions are meticulously crafted by skilled artists who use the same techniques and materials as the original artists. The goal is to create famous paintings as close to the original as possible, allowing art lovers to own a piece of history without the astronomical price tag.

Pre-raphaelite museum quality oil painting reproductions allow art lovers to own a piece of art history. Suppose you admire paintings from the Pre-Raphaelite movement. In this case, you may also enjoy famous paintings by John Everett Millais, Ford Madox Brown, and the romantic paintings of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones.

Replica paintings allow you to bring a piece of the art world into your home. They are not just copies of the original artwork but works of art in their own right, created with skill, passion, and a deep appreciation for the original painting.