John William Waterhouse

English painter John William Waterhouse (1849-1917) created romantic depictions of women from Greek mythology and Arthurian legend in the Pre-Raphaelite tradition. His large-scale paintings featuring the Lady of Shalott, Ophelia, and classical nymphs combine Pre-Raphaelite literary interest with Impressionist brushwork. Beautiful young women in historical costumes against landscape or architectural settings became his signature, continuing the Victorian classical tradition into the early 20th century.

Born in Rome to English artist parents, Waterhouse grew up sketching at the British Museum and National Gallery. He entered the Royal Academy school in 1871, initially studying sculpture before turning to painting. Early work showed influence from Alma-Tadema and Leighton. He became an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1885 and full Academician in 1895. Waterhouse painted three versions of both The Lady of Shalott and Ophelia. His Hylas and the Nymphs (1896), recently controversial when briefly removed from display, is considered his masterpiece. Works hang at Tate Britain, the Manchester Art Gallery, and the Lady Lever Art Gallery. He continued painting despite illness until his death from cancer.