The Crystal Ball
A previous owner painted over the skull. The painting has now been restored to its original state.
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.
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.
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).
1902
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