the collector's folio

John William Waterhouse Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by John William Waterhouse our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John William Waterhouse · 1849 – 1917

The Lady of Shalott

1888 · Tate Gallery, London

Explore John William Waterhouse’s ‘The Lady of Shalott,’ a Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece depicting a tragic Arthurian tale. Admire its beauty, symbolism & rich detail – perfect for art lovers.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Ariadne

1898 · original 91 x 151 cm

Discover John William Waterhouse’s "Ariadne," a stunning Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece! Explore myth, beauty & opulent detail in this 1898 painting – perfect for art lovers.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17541 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$548151 × 91 cm Commission at original size

Echo and Narcissus

1903 · Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool · original 236 x 107 cm

Discover John William Waterhouse’s "Echo & Narcissus" – a Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece of myth & emotion. Explore its rich symbolism, serene beauty, and historical significance in Liverpool's Walker Art Gallery.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17540 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$881236 × 107 cm Commission at original size

Hylas and the Nymphs

1896 · Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester · original 132 x 198 cm

Explore John William Waterhouse’s ‘Hylas & the Nymphs,’ a Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece of Greek mythology. Admire its romantic beauty, rich colors, and captivating narrative – perfect for art lovers.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35044 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1082198 × 132 cm Commission at original size

The Lady of Shalott

1888 · Tate Gallery, London · original 153 x 200 cm

Explore John William Waterhouse’s ‘The Lady of Shalott.’ A Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece depicting longing & fate. Stunning detail, rich colors, and timeless beauty – perfect for art lovers.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1035200 × 153 cm Commission at original size

Tale from the Decameron

1916 · Lady Lever Art Gallery, Sunfield · original 102 x 159 cm

Discover John William Waterhouse’s "Tale from the Decameron." A Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece of serene beauty & romantic storytelling. Explore rich colors, intricate detail & timeless elegance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$32540 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$770159 × 102 cm Commission at original size

The lady of shalott study

1894 · Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth · original 119 x 68 cm

Explore John William Waterhouse’s ‘Lady of Shalott Study.’ A Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece brimming with detail & tragic romance. Own a piece of art history – exquisite beauty awaits!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$38468 × 119 cm Commission at original size

Ophelia 1

1889 · original 98 x 158 cm

Discover John William Waterhouse’s ‘Ophelia 1’. A serene Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece depicting Shakespeare's tragic heroine. Explore its rich detail & timeless beauty.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17540 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$599158 × 98 cm Commission at original size

Penelope and the Suitors

1912 · original 130 x 188 cm

Discover "Penelope & the Suitors" by John William Waterhouse – a stunning Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece! Explore mythology, beauty, and rich detail in this 1912 oil painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$958188 × 130 cm Commission at original size

Flora and the Zephyrs

1898 · original 45 x 29 cm

Discover John William Waterhouse’s ‘Flora & the Zephyrs’! A stunning Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece – vibrant colors, mythological beauty, and intricate detail. Elevate your art collection!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$37543 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$38445 × 29 cm Commission at original size

At the Shrine

1895 · original 42 x 88 cm

Discover 'At the Shrine' by John William Waterhouse – a serene Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece. Explore its timeless beauty & rich details of this iconic 1895 painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17525 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25542 × 88 cm Commission at original size

Ophelia

1894 · original 73 x 124 cm

Experience the haunting beauty of John William Waterhouse’s ‘Ophelia,’ a Romantic masterpiece depicting Shakespeare's tragic heroine in serene detail. This 1894 oil painting captures innocence lost with its delicate floral arrangements and evocative symbolism – discover this iconic artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$41273 × 124 cm Commission at original size

Ulysses and the Sirens

1891 · National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · original 201 x 100 cm

John William Waterhouse’s "Ulysses and the Sirens" captures a breathtaking Pre-Raphaelite scene of temptation and resistance with stunning detail and rich colors. Explore this iconic 1891 painting and discover its timeless beauty.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17545 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$732201 × 100 cm Commission at original size

Consulting the Oracle

1884 · Tate Gallery, London · original 72 x 44 cm

Explore 'Consulting the Oracle' by John William Waterhouse – a mesmerizing Pre-Raphaelite painting of prophecy and mystery, now available as a museum-quality hand-painted reproduction.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17541 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23972 × 44 cm Commission at original size

The Lady of Shalott

1888 · Tate Britain, London · original 20 x 15 cm

John William Waterhouse's 'The Lady of Shalott' (1888) captures the tragic beauty of Tennyson’s poem, depicting her final journey and poignant farewell to love & reality. A Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Lady of Shalott (detail-top)

1888 · Tate Gallery, London

Admire John William Waterhouse’s haunting ‘The Lady of Shalott,’ a Pre-Raphaelite icon capturing Arthurian sorrow & ethereal beauty. Explore its symbolism & exquisite detail – timeless art!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The Lady of Shalott

1888 · Tate Gallery, London · original 153 x 200 cm

John William Waterhouse's 'The Lady of Shalott' (1888) captures the tragic beauty of Tennyson’s poem, depicting her final journey and poignant farewell to a world she dared to glimpse.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1035200 × 153 cm Commission at original size

The Lady of Shalott

1888 · Tate Gallery, London

“The Lady of Shalott” by John William Waterhouse captures Arthurian legend's poignant exploration of fate and desire through Pre-Raphaelite detail, luminous color, and masterful chiaroscuro—a timeless masterpiece housed at the Tate Gallery.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Undine

1872

Romantic oil painting of a water nymph in lush surroundings by John William Waterhouse (1872), capturing mythic grace and tranquil beauty—discover or own this timeless masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

La Fileuse

1874

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Ulysses and the Sirens

1891 · National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · original 100 x 202 cm

'A very startling triumph … a very carnival of colour, mosaicked and balanced with a skill more consummate than even the talented artist was credited with,’ declared M. H. Spielmann for The Magazine of Art. Critics praised Waterhouse’s innovative approach to portraying mythological figures.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17545 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$735202 × 100 cm Commission at original size

Saint Eulalia

1885 · Tate Gallery, London · original 188 x 117 cm

This artwork is meticulously reproduced by hand using oil paints on canvas, mirroring the original Tate Gallery piece. Explore more stunning reproductions at ArtsDot!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35025 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$962117 × 188 cm Commission at original size

Tristan and Isolde with the potion

Experience the passionate romance of John William Waterhouse’s ‘Tristan and Isolde with the Potion,’ a stunning Pre-Raphaelite oil painting capturing a pivotal moment in love's tragic fate. Admire the intricate details and rich colors of this iconic scene – discover your own reproduction.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

I am Half Sick of Shadows,' said the Lady of Shalott

1915

Delicate Pre-Raphaelite beauty captures Tennyson's Lady of Shalott as she contemplates a book amidst serene surroundings—a timeless portrait by John William Waterhouse, evoking melancholy and yearning; explore exquisite reproductions at ArtsDot.com.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Destiny

1900 · original 53 x 67 cm

Experience John William Waterhouse’s ‘Destiny,’ a breathtaking Pre-Raphaelite oil painting of a woman offering a libation to departing ships. This 1900 masterpiece, featuring a striking red dress and serene ocean backdrop, captures timeless themes of farewell and destiny – discover this stunning artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 268 artworks by John William Waterhouse
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25153 × 67 cm Commission at original size

The artist

John William Waterhouse

1849 – 1917

Quick facts

Museums on APSTate Britain, National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of South Australia, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Manchester Art Gallery
Topics exploredromanticism, mythology, pre-raphaelite, romance, women
Movementspre-raphaelite
Typical colorsespresso
Art period19th Century
Emotional tonemelancholic
Mediumsoil on canvas
NationalityItaly

Biography

Early Life, Family and Training

The beginnings of John William Waterhouse were rooted in the classical atmosphere of Rome, where he was born in 1849 to English parents. His father, William, and his mother, Isabella, were both painters, ensuring that the language of art was his first inheritance. Following his baptism on 6 April 1849, his early years were shaped by this immersion in a creative household. The family eventually moved to England, settling in the South Kensington area of London, a location that placed him in close proximity to the great collections of the era.

His formal education began in 1870 when he entered the Royal Academy of Art Schools in London. His initial training was not in the medium that would later define his career; instead, he began his studies as a sculpture student. This early focus on form and three-dimensional structure provided a foundation for his later transition into painting. He eventually turned his attention to the canvas, moving away from the chisel to develop the painterly approach that would characterize his professional life.

Technique and Artistic Style

Waterhouse worked primarily in oils, crafting canvases that favored a Romantic sensibility. His approach was characterized by a meticulous technique that relied upon a deep understanding of symbolism to convey meaning. He often placed strong, sensuous female characters within dreamlike settings, creating an atmosphere that felt both introspective and distant. This sense of detachment was achieved through a specific handling of light and shadow, which helped to define the forms of his subjects while maintaining a certain ethereal quality.

The artist’s palette was defined by vivid color schemes and a particular focus on the luminosity of skin. He frequently rendered figures with a porcelain-like clarity, a detail that contrasted with the more fluid, loose brushwork used in his backgrounds. This tension between the precise rendering of the human form and the broader, more atmospheric treatment of the surrounding environment contributed to the dreamy quality of his compositions. His ability to use drapery to suggest movement and weight added a physical presence to his mythological and historical figures.

Mythological and Literary Themes

Waterhouse found his most enduring subjects within the pages of classical and romantic literature. He drew heavily from the narratives of Homer and Ovid, often translating the ancient Greek myths into visual studies of the female form. His canvases frequently focused on women from these mythologies, portraying them in moments of profound psychological weight. There was a recurring sense of melancholy and longing in these figures, a quiet sadness that seemed to define his approach to the female experience. He did not merely illustrate stories; he sought to capture the internal emotional state of the characters he depicted.

The influence of English poetry and drama provided a secondary, equally significant layer to his thematic interests. He turned to the works of Tennyson and Keats, finding in their verses a landscape for his romantic sensibilities. Arthurian legends also occupied a central place in his imagination, allowing him to explore themes of chivalry and tragic romance. This literary focus extended to the plays of Shakespeare, where he found dramatic tension and historical depth. By blending these diverse sources, he created a visual language that bridged the gap between ancient antiquity and the romanticism of the Victorian era.

The Lady of Shalott (1888)
Hylas and the Nymphs (1896)
Ophelia (1888, 1894, 1909 or 1910)
Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses (about 1891)
Echo and Narcissus (1903)

Major Works and Iconic Paintings

The artist’s reputation was largely cemented by his ability to capture a character at the precise moment their fate turns. His 1888 painting, The Lady of Shalott, remains his most significant contribution to the Pre-Raphaelite style, translating Tennyson’s verse into a visual narrative of isolation. This penchant for dramatic, literary moments continued through the turn of the century. In 1896, he produced both Hylas and the Nymphs and Pandora, works that leaned heavily into the psychological weight of myth. These pieces often featured a single, beautiful woman set against a dreamlike backdrop, a recurring motif that defined his most successful period.

As his career progressed, his subjects became increasingly focused on the intersection of myth and human emotion. The year 1900 saw the completion of A Mermaid, while 1903 brought Echo and Narcissus to the canvas. These works utilized a loose brushwork and a specific handling of light to create a sense of intimacy with the subject. Even in his later years, the artist maintained this focus on the female figure, as seen in The Soul of the Rose in 1908. His ability to portray the inner lives of these figures through subtle expression and symbolic detail ensured his place in the Victorian art scene.

The Lady of Shalott (1888)
Hylas and the Nymphs (1896)
Pandora (1896)
A Mermaid (1900)
Echo and Narcissus (1903)
The Soul of the Rose (1908)

Later Years and Death

In his final years, Waterhouse found himself drawn back to the passionate narratives that had once defined the early Pre-Raphaelites. This late-period fascination manifested in works that explored the intense, often tragic, emotional landscapes of the poets he admired. His focus shifted toward the profound, spiritualized love found in the works of Dante Alighieri, as seen in his late studies of Boccaccio’s Il Decameron. Even as his physical strength faltered, his brush continued to navigate the complexities of human passion and myth.

The artist's health eventually succumbed to liver cancer. He passed away in London on 10 February 1917. His final creative efforts included several large canvases and oil sketches that reflected a deep engagement with the dramatic themes of his youth. He was laid to rest in Kensal Green Cemetery, London.

Legacy and Lasting Influence

Waterhouse occupied a unique position in the late nineteenth-century art scene, acting as a bridge between eras. He successfully carried the principles of the Pre-Raphaelite movement into the twentieth century, ensuring its aesthetic sensibilities remained relevant as the Victorian age gave way to new artistic movements. His ability to adapt these ideals allowed his work to maintain a presence in the evolving landscape of British painting.

His professional ascent within the institutional art world was marked by steady recognition. He was named an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1885, a distinction that preceded his election as a full Academician in 1895. This progression reflected his standing among his peers and his integration into the formal structures of the London art establishment. Beyond his own studio, he contributed to the continuity of his craft by teaching at the St. John's Wood Art School, passing his technical knowledge to a new generation of painters.

The enduring nature of his subject matter continues to draw interest from collectors and historians. His focus on the psychological interiority of mythological and literary figures remains a central part of his reputation. While his popularity fluctuated following the First World War, the recent resurgence of interest in his specific approach to female figures and historical settings has reaffirmed his importance in the study of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art.

Where to See the Works Today

The physical presence of Waterhouse's canvases can be found within several major art museums and galleries across the United Kingdom and beyond. In London, the Tate Britain holds works that reflect his engagement with the Pre-Raphaelite style. His paintings are also part of the collections at the Manchester Art Gallery and the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

Beyond the British Isles, his reach extends to the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide. These various institutions preserve the visual record of his interest in mythology and literature, maintaining the works that defined his career during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The Lady of Shalott (1888)
Hylas and the Nymphs (1896)
A Mermaid (1900)
Echo and Narcissus (1903)
The Soul of the Rose (1908)

Questions & Answers

How popular are John William Waterhouse's artworks?

Statistics about John William Waterhouse's works are available on the artist's Stats page.

Can I explore John William Waterhouse's works by color spectrum?

The Spectral Index of John William Waterhouse is a page that organizes the artist's artworks by their colors.

Where are John William Waterhouse's artworks grouped by keywords?

The By Keywords page of John William Waterhouse groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 14, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was John William Waterhouse born?
Which artistic movement did Waterhouse embrace, despite not being a member of the brotherhood?
In which year was Waterhouse elected a full Academician?
Which of these paintings is considered one of his most iconic works?
Waterhouse's early training included studies at which institution?

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