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John William Waterhouse
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Influenced by Pre-Raphaelite themes, John William Waterhouse was an academic painter consumed by the myths of the Enchantress. In his paintings, women are depicted in all acts of sensuality - inhaling the scent of roses, floating as nymphs in water, or lounging with their lovers in gardens.
Born to an English family living in Rome, Waterhouse was influenced by the classical artwork and literature found in Rome, as well as English history and literature. Nevertheless, his artistic training was done entirely in London, where he entered the Royal Academy School in 1870.
Waterhouse infused a certain psychological tension into his work. In particular, the artist's Lady of Shalott exhibits emotional unease. Based on the poem by Lord Alfred Tennyson, Waterhouse's enraptured Lady is depicted in an anticipatory pose, frozen in the enraptured moment before she drowns herself.
Waterhouse's paintings can be seen today throughout Australia and England, including the Tate Museum in London.
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