Description
Circe Invidiosa by John William Waterhouse (1849-1917), in the Art Gallery of South Australia. A stunning, framed replica on artist’s grade canvas. The art of Waterhouse is beloved for its balance of mythology and beauty. “Circe” tells the story of a femme fatale in the act of poisoning the sea to turn her rival into a hideous monster. The strikingly deep greens and blues show an aura of romantic menace. Our authentic stretched canvas replica captures the original painting’s texture, depth of color, and hand-applied brushstrokes. Our imported, gold-toned, carved hardwood frame features a solid brass museum plate etched with the title and artist’s name. John William Waterhouse (1849-1917). Pre-Raphaelite painter John William Waterhouse painted female characters from mythology and literature and belonged to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His parents were painters and he grew up in Rome where he absorbed the culture, rich history and a love for art. Waterhouse s first art teacher was his father until he entered the Royal Academy at age 21. Waterhouse was inspired by the paintings of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, whose depictions of classical, Roman landscapes and legends appealed to the young painter. He received his diploma from the Academy for his painting of A Mermaid. Waterhouse s paintings often depict a romantic approach to the femme fatale, for example in La Belle Sans Merci and Hylas and the Water Nymphs. He also often painted a forlorn, sole heroine, such as The Lady of Shallot, one of Waterhouse s most famous paintings. Waterhouse s academic and technical skill gained the respect of his peers and critics and his paintings were exhibited at the Academy even after his death in 1917.