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Hylas and the Nymphs
painting

Waterhouse, John William R.A.
Europe, United Kingdom, England
1896

1896.15
First floor: Victorian

oil paint
132.1 x 197.5 x 11.4 cm

More Details

Hylas and the Nymphs 1896
John William Waterhouse 1849-1917
Oil on canvas

Hylas was one of the Argonauts
who sailed with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece.
When the adventurers harboured at an island
Hylas' task was to search for fresh water for the crew.
He found a gladed spring and was filling his pitcher
when he was encircled by water nymphs.
Hypnotically, they drew him into the watery depths
and although his friends searched for him,
Hylas was never seen again.

In Waterhouse's hands,
a myth explaining the drowning of a youth
amongst sinuous lily leaves and stems,
becomes an evocation of sensual female flesh,
an immersion into the deadly allure of the femme fatale.

Purchased 1896.15