A Sick Child brought into the Temple of Aesculapius
Aesculapius was the Greek god of healing. Owned by The Fine Art Society, London, UK.
John William Waterhouse (1849-1917), affectionately known as Nino in his younger days, was born in Rome on the 6th of
April, 1849. Both of his parents were English painters who moved to Italy in pursuit of art. Waterhouse and his parents
eventually moved back to England some time in the late 1850's. While growing up, Waterhouse assisted his father in art studio
where the young Waterhouse developed his talents for sculpting and painting. In England, after several attempts at admission
to the Royal Academy, he finally succeeded entrance in 1870. In 1885, Waterhouse became an Associate of the Royal
Academy, and then a full member, Royal Academician, in 1895.
April, 1849. Both of his parents were English painters who moved to Italy in pursuit of art. Waterhouse and his parents
eventually moved back to England some time in the late 1850's. While growing up, Waterhouse assisted his father in art studio
where the young Waterhouse developed his talents for sculpting and painting. In England, after several attempts at admission
to the Royal Academy, he finally succeeded entrance in 1870. In 1885, Waterhouse became an Associate of the Royal
Academy, and then a full member, Royal Academician, in 1895.
Although often classified as a Pre-raphaelite for his style and themes, Waterhouse is truly a Neo-Classic painter. Some of Waterhouse's earlier
works were focused on Italian themes and scenery, reflecting his love for his birth place. Later on, his works picked up the styles and classical
themes of Pre-raphaelites such as Alma-Tadema and Frederick Leighton. Waterhouse went on to paint well over 200 paintings depicting classical
mythogolgy, historical and literary subjects, particularly those of Roman mythology and classic English poets such as Keats and Tennyson.
Femme fatale is a common theme in his works, as most are of beautiful elegaic women and of many men are victims.
Waterhouse is one of the rare artists who became popular and relatively well-off financially when he was alive. He continued to paint until his death
on the 10th of February, 1917 after a long illness. His style became a major influence on many of the later Pre-raphaelites including Frank
Dicksee and Herber James Draper.
Today, many of his works are in private collections or somewhere unknown; however, most of his famous paintings can be found scattered all over
England. Among these is "The Lady of Shalott" - 1888, which can be found in London; "Hylas and the Nymphs" - 1896, at Manchester City Art
Gallery, and "Echo and Narcissus" - 18xx, at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. His other famous works can be found around the world including
Germany (La Belle Dame Sans Merci), Scotland (Penelope and the Suitors), and Australia (Circe Invidiosa).
1877
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The Mysterious models of John William Waterhouse Part 1
The Mysterious models of John William Waterhouse Part 2
Tribute to John William Waterhouse