The Art Studies of John William Waterhouse

Exploring Waterhouse's charcoal, red chalk, and oil paint art studies

Study for Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus, 1900, oil on canvas.

“The modern artist feels even the direct charm of the beautiful old stories with wistful desire for a like effortless simplicity of expression, flowing so clearly and steadily from sensation. And how delightful the contents of those tales considered as imagery of what is inmost in thought and feeling; how enviable a poetry seems the life which found such lyrical tongue!”

Anthony Hobson, “The Art of J.W. Waterhouse” (1909)

I discovered recently that Waterhouse rudimentary sketches and art studies possess an allure not unlike his well-known masterpieces. Waterhouse enthusiasts will find themselves equally captivated by the textured charcoal hair, the luminous red chalk skin, and the unmistakable richness of his color palette. Today, I included some examples that instantly transport me to a realm of water nymphs and rolling hills adorned with springtime blooms.

John William Waterhouse seated, leaning forwards and looking to right, in studio, by Ralph Winwood Robinson (1889).

You may recognize many of these sketches as the beginnings of his most loved paintings. I will expand this collection as a multi-part series, so stay tuned for more!

And let me know which is your favorite in the comments.

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Female head study for a nymph in Hylas and the Nymphs, charcoal and pencil.

Study for the figure in Destiny, charcoal and pencil.

Study for a Nymph in Hylas and the Nymphs, 1896, charcoal, white chalk and pencil

Study of a girl’s head, red and black chalk, on buff paper.

Head of a Young Girl, Red chalk on paper. The Maas Gallery. The Victorian Web

Study for ‘Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May’. Red chalk and pencil.

Study of a Girl’s Head by John William Waterhouse

Study for ‘Psyche opening the Golden box’, black and red chalk.

The Love Philtre, 1914, oil on canvas.

Study for the head of Echo from ‘Echo and Narcissus’. Oil on canvas. Art Renewal Center

Woman Picking Flowers by John William Waterhouse, 1909-1914

Maidens picking Flowers by a Stream (study), 1911. Art Renewal Center

Study for ‘Phyllis and Demophoön’, 1905, oil on canvas

Study drawing for Dante and Matilda. Victoria and Albert Museum

Dante and Matilda, study (formerly called “Dante and Beatrice”), 1914 – 1917, oil on canvas, 49.5 x 61.9 cm. Dahesh Museum of Art

Matilda, study (formerly called “Beatrice”), 1915, oil on canvas

Vain Lamorina, a study for Lamia. 1909, oil on canvas. Art Renewal Center

Study for Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus, 1900, oil on canvas.

Nymphs finding the head of Orpheus: a sketch of the nymph at the left, oil on canvas

Female head study for ‘A Naiad’, 1892, oil on canvas laid on board.

Study for the head of Venus in the ‘Awakening of Adonis’, oil on canvas

Sketch for ‘Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May’ or Narcissus by John William Waterhouse

The Awakening of Adonis (sketch), 1899, oil on canvas

Study for ‘Saint Eulalia’ c.1885 John William Waterhouse 1849-1917. Purchased 1977. Tate Gallery.

What was your favorite art study? Mine is Study for Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus (1900).

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References

Anthony Hobson, “The Art of J.W. Waterhouse.” The Art Journal. United Kingdom, George Virtue, 1909.

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Further Reading

J W Waterhouse by Anthony Hobson (1994)

Pre-Raphaelite Drawingby Colin Cruise (2012)

Pre-Raphaelite Drawings and Watercolours by Christiana Payne and Fiona Mann (2021)

Victorian Visions: Pre-Raphaelite Drawings and Watercolours from the National Museums & Galleries of Wales by Bethany McIntyre (2003)

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