John William Waterhouse

1849-1917

European Artist

Waterhouse was born in Rome, Italy, and studied at the Royal Academy School. Both his parents were artists. He began as a painter of classical subjects but turned to literary themes in the 1880's. He was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites in both subject and approach although with a broader technique. Waterhouse established his style. It changed little, but he continually refined it, and his beautiful ladies were recognizable flesh and blood, with superb skin tones. He also painted a few excellent portraits of women. Waterhouse, a master artist of the late 19th Century is famous and beloved for his dedication to beautiful women, fondness for the idea of the "femme fatale", and vibrant sensuality. He demonstrates true brilliance in his devotion to realism and attention to detail. Waterhouse was one of the most important and influential classicist painters, taking his inspiration-as did the Renaissance painters-from classical Greek and Roman art.