The Shrine (1895), by J.W. WaterhouseWith this painting (top) Waterhouse returned to an old theme, w
The Shrine (1895), by J.W. WaterhouseWith this painting (top) Waterhouse returned to an old theme, which he last painted in 1890 (A Roman Offering, bottom). The stairs, flowers, a young woman – most traditional ingredients are there. Only the doves are absent …The Victorian dress is sometimes referred to as an anachronism, but in fact there is no suggestion that Waterhouse wanted to paint a Roman scene. It can just as well be a garden in Victorian times. Waterhouse has often tried to paint the five senses. Here he is particularly successful with the sense of smell. -- source link
#painting#symbolism#19th century#shrine