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John William Waterhouse

United Kingdom

John William Waterhouse

1849 – 1917

An English painter deeply influenced by the spirit of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

Born in Rome to English painter parents, he studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, later teaching there as a full member and serving on its council.

He is widely known for taking subjects from ancient myths such as Homer and Ovid, as well as the literature of Shakespeare and Tennyson, and for his numerous depictions of heroines from these stories.

He established a unique style that fused classical academic techniques with romantic naturalism.

He excelled at capturing the dramatic moments of women facing destinies such as magic, isolation, sorrow, and destructive love.

His vibrant and brilliant sense of color, along with his profound psychological portrayal that mystically and vividly depicted the hidden emotions and subtle nuances of women's hearts, are his greatest hallmarks.

Works Works

La Belle Dame sans Merci (The Merciless Beauty)

La Belle Dame sans Merci (The Merciless Beauty)

1893United KingdomPre-Raphaelite

Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus

Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus

1900United KingdomSerenityLate Pre-RaphaeliteMythology

Ophelia

Ophelia

1910United KingdomDeterminationLate Pre-RaphaeliteShakespeare

The Bouquet

The Bouquet

1908United KingdomLate Pre-RaphaeliteGiftBeyond words

Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May

Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May

1908United KingdomPoignancyBeautyLate Pre-Raphaelite

The Magic Circle

The Magic Circle

1886United Kingdom

Ophelia

Ophelia

1889United KingdomLate Pre-RaphaeliteShakespeare

Lamia

Lamia

1905United KingdomLate Pre-RaphaeliteMythology

Psyche Opening the Golden Box

Psyche Opening the Golden Box

1903United KingdomPoignancyLate Pre-RaphaeliteMythology

Windswept (Windswept / Windflowers)

Windswept (Windswept / Windflowers)

1902United KingdomLate Pre-Raphaelite

The Lady of Shalott

The Lady of Shalott

1888United KingdomLate Pre-Raphaelite

Ophelia

Ophelia

1894United KingdomSerenityLossPre-Raphaelite

Miranda

Miranda

1875United KingdomEmotionLate Pre-Raphaelite

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A Beautiful Illusion Born of Unfulfilled Prayer: Fauré's 'Après un rêve'

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A Beautiful Illusion Born of Unfulfilled Prayer: Fauré's 'Après un rêve'

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This Piece Was Never Truly About 'Farewell'

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This Piece Was Never Truly About 'Farewell'

Frédéric Chopin2026.4.21

The Rain Song I Want to Take to Heaven: Brahms's Love Story

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The Rain Song I Want to Take to Heaven: Brahms's Love Story

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