John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse - A Popular English painter

A popular English painter, John William Waterhouse, was born in Rome on 6th April 1849. The best thing about this painter is that he was known for working with the Academic style and Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's subject matter. He mainly used to depict the women from both ancient Greek mythology and Arthurian legend. Waterhouse was also a part of the Pre-Raphaelite movement during his time. 

The early life of John William Waterhouse:

This popular painter was the son of English painters William and Isabella Waterhouse. William was baptized on 6th April, and then in his later years, he worked as a scholar of Waterhouse's work. During his early life, he was in Italy, where ancient Rome and Roman mythology paintings inspired him. This influence was visible in his later artworks. Waterhouse returned to England in 1854 and moved to his newly built house, which was located near the Victoria and Albert Museum.

John William Waterhouse joined the Royal Academy of Art School in 1871 to study sculpture. Then he focused and started his painting career. Waterhouse's early works were related to classical themes, and his works were very similar to that of Alma-Tadema and Frederic Leighton. Some of his early artworks were exhibited at the Dudley Gallery, after which he became more popular. His most famous work was Sleep and his Half-brother Death. This artwork was exhibited at the Royal Academy summer exhibition in 1874. 

Popular work by John William Waterhouse:

John William Waterhouse created many paintings. Some of his popular works are:-

• Hylas and the Nymphs
• The Lady of Shalott
• The Magic Circle
• Ophelia
• A Mermaid
• Good Neighbours (or Gossip)
• Sleep and his Half-brother Death

In total, he produced one hundred and eighteen paintings during his lifetime. He died at the age of sixty-seven in London, England, on 10th February 1917.