Description
Hylas and the Water Nymphs by John William Waterhouse ( 1849-1917), in the Manchester Art Galleries, England. A stunning, framed replica on artists’ grade canvas. According to myth, Hylas, while traveling with the Argonauts, stopped at a spring for a drink. The nymph of the spring lured him into the water obliging him to live his life as her consort. The nude maidens in this Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece earned Waterhouse critical acclaim. Our authentic, stretched canvas replica captures the original painting’s texture, depth of color, and even its hand-applied brushstrokes. Our imported hardwood frame, embellished with acanthus leaves, includes a solid brass museum plate etched with the 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.
