6 March 2008
John William Waterhouse the Last of the Pre-Raphaelites
Posted by Alison under: Antique; Art .
I have titled this post ‘The Last of the Pre-Raphaelites’ as Waterhouse was part of the much later movement, and not technically, I think, part of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood that started much earlier around about the time that Waterhouse was actually born.
I discovered Waterhouse via Ophelia. Though, there are actually 2 paintings named Ophelia by Waterhouse. My favourite is the one painted in 1894, not to be confused by the one from 1905 (standing, blue dress). Though I love Millais’ interpretation, this has always been my favourite. In fact, I think that I admire more of Waterhouse’s work than any of those placed under the category of the Pre-Raphaelite artists.
I have only ever seen a few of his works myself, the largest collection of which, was part of the ‘Pre-Raphaelite and Other Masters’ Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London in 2003. This includes: Spring (The Flower Picker) , Ophelia, The Necklace (study for ‘Lamia’), Study of a Young Woman, Study for Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus, St Cecilia, The Danaides, Pandora, The Awakening of Adonis, The Lady Clare and Ophelia 1905.
I have also viewed them at The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Tate, The Royal Academy of Arts, Leighton House (home of the artist Frederic, Lord Leighton) and Aberdeen Art Gallery.
You can view more about the life and works of Waterhouse at johnwilliamwaterhouse.com. If you particularly admire him, you might want to help with the restoration plan for his grave.
Here are a few of my favourite pictures: Miranda - The Tempest, Ophelia, A Mermaid and Pandora.
6 Comments so far...
chuck Says:
6 March 2008 at 6:33 pm.
Oh wow. These are outstanding. I was going to mention a favorite, but they’re all killer! Nice post (as usual) 
Melissa Says:
6 March 2008 at 7:31 pm.
Beautiful paintings. My 2007 calendar had copies of twelve Waterhouse paintings, and it was a real pleasure.
Alison Says:
8 March 2008 at 8:59 pm.
It was hard just to choose a few on here Rhonda! I love many more than that. I’ve had a calendar and diary Melissa, always a great present to have! They are all stunning Kylie.
In fact, I have 2 prints on my walls. Miranda is above my desk and the Daianides is in my bathroom.
jams o donnell Says:
8 March 2008 at 10:09 pm.
I have mixed feelings towards teh pre raphs. I love works like the Lady of Shallot and Beata beatriz but I hate Millais’ twee works with a passion
THat said I had an online friend do a surprise portrait of the not wife. She painted her as Waterhouses’ Ophelia. Let’s say teh not wife was pleasantly surprised when she got that for her 37th birthday!
