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John William Waterhouse Paintings for Sale

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John William Waterhouse, 1849-1917, was an English painter known for working in the Pre-Raphaelite style. One of the most famous Waterhouse paintings is The Lady of Shalott. His works depict women from both ancient Greek mythology and Arthurian legend. In 1895 the artist was elected to the status of full Academician, and served on the Royal Academy Council. Waterhouse oil painting is currently displayed at several major British art galleries, and the Royal Academy of Art organized a major retrospective of Waterhouse art in 2009. -- The Copyright of Scripts is Reserved by Toperfect.

The Auction Records / Prices of Works by John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse (1849-1917) was a British artist known for his depictions of mythological and literary subjects in a style influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Waterhouse's paintings have become extremely popular and are highly sought after by collectors, leading to several notable auction records being set for his works. Here are some of the most significant auction records for Waterhouse's artwork:

1. "St. Cecilia" (1895): In November 2013, "St. Cecilia," a painting depicting the patron saint of music, sold for $6.2 million at Christie's in New York. This was the highest price achieved for a Waterhouse painting at auction.

2. "The Siren" (1900): In November 2008, "The Siren," a painting of a mythical creature luring sailors to their doom, sold for $5.5 million at Sotheby's in London.

3. "Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May" (1909): In November 2020, "Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May," a painting inspired by a line from the 17th-century poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time," sold for $4.2 million at Christie's in New York.

4. "The Lady of Shalott" (1888): In December 2008, "The Lady of Shalott," a painting based on a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, sold for $3.5 million at Sotheby's in London.

5. "The Crystal Ball" (1902): In April 2012, "The Crystal Ball," a painting of a woman gazing into a crystal ball, sold for $3.2 million at Christie's in New York.

Overall, Waterhouse's paintings have set several notable auction records, with his depictions of mythological and literary subjects being especially highly prized by collectors. Waterhouse's paintings have set multiple auction records, with his works typically selling for several million dollars each. He is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after artists of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, and his paintings frequently fetch some of the highest prices at auction among the Old Masters.

The Biography of Artist John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse (1849 – 1917) was an English painter known for his depictions of ancient mythology and literary scenes in a style influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Waterhouse was born in Rome, the son of English painters who had moved to Italy to pursue their artistic careers.

Waterhouse showed a natural talent for art from an early age and was encouraged to pursue his passion. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools in London, where he won several prizes and scholarships for his work.

In the 1870s and 1880s, Waterhouse established himself as a successful artist, exhibiting regularly at the Royal Academy and other prestigious art institutions in London. His paintings were well-received, and he gained a reputation for his ability to convey mood and atmosphere through his use of color and composition.

In the 1890s, Waterhouse joined the Royal Society of British Artists and became closely associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists who sought to revive the art and values of the early Renaissance period. Waterhouse's paintings from this period often depicted mythical or literary scenes, with a focus on female figures and their emotions.

Throughout his career, Waterhouse received numerous commissions from private clients, including wealthy patrons who admired his work. He continued to work until his death in 1917, leaving behind a legacy of paintings that are admired for their technical skill, attention to detail, and emotional depth.

Today, Waterhouse's paintings are considered important examples of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and are admired by art lovers worldwide. His works can be found in prestigious institutions, such as the Tate Britain, and in private collections around the world.

Analyses Famous Paintings by John William Waterhouse

1. "The Lady of Shalott" (1888) - This painting depicts the Arthurian legend of Elaine of Astolat, who dies of a broken heart after looking directly at the forbidden image of Sir Lancelot. The painting features a rich and luxurious color palette, emphasizing the beauty and tragedy of Elaine's tale. The intricate details, such as the elaborate tapestry and the mirror's reflection, help to create a sense of enchantment and mystery.

2. "Hylas and the Nymphs" (1896) - This painting depicts a scene from Greek mythology in which the young hero Hylas is seduced and drawn into the water by a group of nymphs. The painting features a serene and dream-like setting, with soft and muted colors and delicate brushstrokes. The strong sense of narrative and the alluring beauty of the nymphs make the piece both captivating and unsettling.

3. "The Crystal Ball" (1902) - This painting features the image of a young woman gazing into a crystal ball, surrounded by opulent fabrics and lush greenery. The use of light and shadow creates a dramatic contrast and helps to create a sense of otherworldliness. The details of the clothing and the surrounding foliage help to create a sense of realism despite the fantastical setting.

4. "Echo and Narcissus" (1903) - This painting depicts the Greek myth of Narcissus, who falls in love with his own reflection, and Echo, the nymph doomed to repeat the words of others. The painting features a rich and intense color palette, emphasizing the emotions of the characters. The intricate details of the water and the surrounding foliage create a sense of depth and movement.

Overall, Waterhouse's paintings are known for their delicacy, beauty, and sense of fantasy. His works often draw upon mythology and literature to create dream-like worlds that are at once enchanting and tinged with sadness. He masterfully captured the emotions and narratives of his subjects, making his artwork timeless and unforgettable.

The Features of Artworks by John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse is known for his works that feature characters from mythology and literature, particularly the Pre-Raphaelite and Romantic movements. His paintings are characterized by the following features:

1. Mythical and Literary Themes: Waterhouse's paintings often feature mythological or literary characters and stories, such as "The Lady of Shalott" or "Echo and Narcissus." He was known for his ability to capture the beauty and emotion of these stories through his paintings.

2. Symbolism: Waterhouse was skilled at incorporating symbolism into his works, often using objects or settings to represent deeper meanings. For example, in "The Lady of Shalott," the tapestry that the lady weaves represents her isolation from society.

3. Use of Light and Shade: Waterhouse's paintings often use chiaroscuro, a technique of contrasting light and dark, to create a sense of depth and drama. His use of light and shade helps to create a three-dimensional quality in his paintings.

4. Attention to Detail: Waterhouse paid close attention to detail in his paintings, particularly in his depiction of clothing and fabrics. His paintings often feature rich, detailed fabrics and intricate patterns and textures.

5. Emotional Expressiveness: Waterhouse was skilled at conveying emotions through his art, particularly with his use of facial expressions and body language. His figures often appear pensive, melancholy, or dreamy, adding to the emotional depth of his works.

Overall, Waterhouse's art is known for its romantic and dreamlike quality, with a focus on capturing the beauty and emotion of mythological and literary themes. He was a master of symbolism, attention to detail, and use of light and shade, resulting in paintings that are both visually stunning and emotionally evocative.

Why Choose John William Waterhouse Art as Home Decor?

There are many reasons why one might choose John William Waterhouse art as home decor. Here are a few:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Waterhouse's paintings are known for their romantic and dreamlike quality, with beautiful depictions of mythological and literary characters. They add a sense of elegance and beauty to any room.

2. Unique Style: Waterhouse's art is a unique blend of Pre-Raphaelite and Romantic styles, making it distinct from other art movements. This gives it an originality that can stand out in any collection of art.

3. Historic and Classic Subjects: Waterhouse's art depicts subjects that have long-standing appeal, such as myths, legends, and literary tales, ensuring that his works have a timeless quality.

4. A Conversation Starter: A waterhouse painting, with its many symbols and references, can be a conversation starter. It may inspire discussion and curious inquiry about the painting's story, themes, and symbolism.

5. Investment Value: As mentioned previously, Waterhouse's paintings are highly sought after by collectors and have set several record prices at auction. Owning a print or a handmade oil painting reproduction may prove to be a sound investment.

6. Personal Taste: Of course, the decision to choose John William Waterhouse art as home decor may simply be a matter of personal taste. Waterhouse's paintings have great variety, and there is bound to be a work that resonates with an individual's aesthetic preferences.

Overall, John William Waterhouse art offers a sense of beauty, historical significance, and personal expression that makes it a popular choice for home decor. Whether one desires to add character to a room or to invest in a classic work of art from a renowned artist, Waterhouse's paintings are certainly an excellent choice for creating a unique and beautiful interior space.

How to Use John William Waterhouse Oil Paintings as Wall Decor

Using John William Waterhouse's oil paintings as wall decor is a great way to add a touch of romanticism and fantasy to your home or office space. Here are some tips for incorporating these artworks into your interior design:

1. Choose the Right Space: Consider the style and color scheme of your room when selecting which painting to display. A large, colorful work like "The Lady of Shalott" or "Echo and Narcissus" can create a dramatic focal point in a more neutral room, while a smaller, more subdued piece like "The Soul of the Rose" can add a touch of elegance to a classic space.

2. Frame the Painting: Once you've chosen which painting to display, consider investing in a high-quality frame. A well-chosen frame can not only protect the artwork from damage but also enhance its beauty and fit more seamlessly into the overall decor of your space.

3. Hang the Painting: When hanging the painting, consider the lighting in your room. Waterhouse's works often feature subtle color palettes and delicate details, so make sure the painting is hung in a spot with sufficient natural or artificial light that will allow its nuances to be fully appreciated.

4. Accessorize the Space: Using Waterhouse's paintings as wall decor can inspire the decor of the entire room. Consider incorporating other romantic or mythical elements, such as antique furniture, ornate frames, or decorative trinkets to create a cohesive and stylish space that plays off the artwork.

By choosing the right painting, framing it properly, paying attention to lighting, and accessorizing the space, you can transform a blank wall into a conversation piece with John William Waterhouse's oil painting.

John William Waterhouse: Handmade Oil Painting Reproduction vs. Prints

When considering artwork by John William Waterhouse, there are two main options to choose from: handmade oil painting reproductions or prints. While both options have their benefits, they differ in several key aspects:

1. Quality: Handmade oil painting reproductions are created by skilled artists who work to replicate the original piece as closely as possible. As a result, they offer a higher level of quality and detail than prints, which are created through a mechanical printing process.

2. Authenticity: Handmade oil painting reproductions are considered the more authentic option since they are created by artists who are replicating the original piece by hand. Prints, on the other hand, are mass-produced and do not offer the same level of authenticity.

3. Value: Handmade oil painting reproductions are often more valuable than prints, as they are one-of-a-kind and take more time and skill to create. Additionally, they may appreciate in value over time.

4. Cost: Handmade oil painting reproductions can be more expensive than prints, as they require more time and skill to create. Prints, however, offer a more affordable option for those who want to enjoy Waterhouse's artwork without breaking the bank.

5. Aesthetic: Handmade oil painting reproductions have a different aesthetic appeal than prints, as they have a more textured and layered quality. This can add depth and interest to a room's decor, whereas prints may look more flat and two-dimensional.

In summary, when it comes to John William Waterhouse's artwork, handmade oil painting reproductions offer a higher level of quality, authenticity, and value than prints. While they may be more expensive, they can add a unique and visually stunning element to a room's decor. Prints are a more affordable option, but don't offer the same level of aesthetic and monetary value. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and budget.

The Paintings of John William Waterhouse Reproduced by Toperfect

Toperfect is a company that offers handmade oil painting reproductions of artwork by John William Waterhouse. The company aims to create high-quality reproductions that are as close to the original piece as possible. Here are some of the paintings by Waterhouse that Toperfect offers reproductions of:

1. "The Lady of Shalott": Toperfect offers a handmade oil painting reproduction of Waterhouse's famous painting "The Lady of Shalott." The reproduction is created using high-quality materials and the same techniques that were used by Waterhouse himself.

2. "Hylas and the Nymphs": Toperfect also offers a reproduction of "Hylas and the Nymphs," a painting depicting a mythological scene. The reproduction is created using high-quality materials and is designed to capture the detail and emotion of the original piece.

3. "Echo and Narcissus": Another popular Waterhouse painting that Toperfect reproduces is "Echo and Narcissus." The company works to capture the beauty and emotion of the original painting, using precise brush strokes, textures, and colors.

4. "Ophelia": Toperfect offers a reproduction of "Ophelia," a painting depicting a character from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." The company uses high-quality materials to create a reproduction that captures the beauty and emotional depth of the original work.

5. "The Siren": Toperfect also reproduces Waterhouse's painting "The Siren," which depicts a mythical creature luring sailors to their doom. The company works to capture the texture, detail, and emotion of the original piece.

Overall, Toperfect aims to create high-quality, handmade reproductions of some of John William Waterhouse's most iconic paintings. They use traditional techniques and high-quality materials to create works that are as close to the original paintings as possible, allowing collectors to enjoy the beauty and emotion of Waterhouse's artwork in their own homes.