Neo-Classicist John William Waterhouse (1849 – 1917) created lavish works imbued with lifelike details and an otherworldly, haunting sensuality. Born in Italy and raised in Britain, Waterhouse merged Victorian narrative with romantic Pre-Raphaelite fantasy in his work, drawing inspiration from Greek myths, Shakespeare, Arthurian legends, Homer, Tennyson and Keats. A member of the Royal Academy, Waterhouse often painted dramatic scenes emphasizing powerful or tragic women. He created more than 200 paintings, and was one of the few artists to attain fame and fortune in his lifetime.

© Art.com