ECHO & NARCISSUS – Giclee Print – John William Waterhouse

$ 210.00

Echo and Narcissus (1903) by John William Waterhouse is a striking example of his masterful exploration of classical mythology and the emotional depth inherent in its stories. The painting, which is based on the myth of Echo and Narcissus from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, captures the tragic beauty of the Greek myth, blending the allure of mythological storytelling with Waterhouse’s signature style. Print Size 54.5 x 88cm

Description

Echo and Narcissus (1903) by John William Waterhouse is a striking example of his masterful exploration of classical mythology and the emotional depth inherent in its stories. The painting, which is based on the myth of Echo and Narcissus from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, captures the tragic beauty of the Greek myth, blending the allure of mythological storytelling with Waterhouse’s signature style.

In the myth, Echo, a mountain nymph, falls deeply in love with Narcissus, a handsome youth who becomes infatuated with his own reflection. Echo, cursed by the goddess Hera to only repeat the words of others, is unable to express her love directly to Narcissus. Heartbroken, she fades away into the wilderness, leaving only her voice behind. Narcissus, unable to break free from his obsession with his own image, eventually dies, overcome by his unrequited love.

Waterhouse’s interpretation of this myth brings both Echo and Narcissus into a moment of quiet, poignant drama. Echo is depicted as a pale, ethereal figure, her body partly obscured by the trees and foliage, suggesting her emotional fading and despair. She gazes longingly at Narcissus, whose reflection in the water is central to the composition. The water acts as a mirror, dividing the two figures, and emphasizing Narcissus’s tragic fixation on himself. His posture suggests an almost meditative obsession with his own image, unaware of Echo’s presence.

The color palette of the painting is lush and vibrant, filled with rich greens and blues that create a dreamlike atmosphere. Waterhouse’s skillful use of light and shadow heightens the emotional tension, with Echo’s figure bathed in soft, glowing light, while Narcissus remains bathed in darker tones, reflecting his inner turmoil.

Echo and Narcissus is a poignant exploration of love, obsession, and self-destruction, emblematic of Waterhouse’s ability to blend mythological themes with human emotion. The painting captures the beauty of classical mythology while emphasizing the timeless nature of love’s complexities, making it one of Waterhouse’s most celebrated works.

Additional information

Weight 1 kg
Dimensions 54.5 x 88 cm