WATERHOUSE, John William

John Waterhouse was born in Rome where his father was working as an artist. His early style was based on classical inspiration and Mediterranean influence. From the 1880’s he developed the dreamy romanticism for which he is best known, specialising in imagery from great literature and mythology
e.g. Homer’s ‘Odyssey’.

He painted ‘Ulysses and the Sirens’ in 1891 as one of several Greek mythological works at a time when narrative painting and a taste for the exotic were popular. Waterhouse was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites but his handling of paint is richer and more sensuous. His work currently enjoys a well deserved resurgence and is represented in major collections worldwide.