John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse's paintings draw on mythology, ancient history, and literature, combining academic figure construction with detailed settings. The Lady of Shalott (1888) responds to Tennyson's poem through its boat, tapestry, and river. As the woman releases the mooring chain, a crucifix and three candles, two extinguished, connect the scene with her approaching death. His Circe paintings likewise use objects and gestures to unfold a classical narrative.