Ophelia 2
Scene depicted
The painting Ophelia 2 evokes the famous tragedy by Shakespeare, where Ophelia, lost in her sorrow, drowns in a stream scattered with flowers. The scene depicts a woman floating in the water, enveloped in flowers, illustrating both beauty and despair. The atmosphere is dark and soothing, blending feelings of sadness and serenity.
Historical context
Created in 1894, the painting Ophelia 2 exudes the very essence of Pre-Raphaelitism, an artistic movement flourishing in London at the end of the 19th century. John William Waterhouse , the illustrious author of this canvas, captured the harmony between poetry and tragedy in the rivers of England, where he drew inspiration from Shakespeare's legends. Currently, this painting is located at the Manchester Art Gallery, measuring approximately 76 by 63 cm.
Place in the artist's career
Ophelia 2 represents a turning point in Waterhouse's career, marking his maturity as an artist. After iconic works like Vivien and Merlin and The Lady of Shalott , this masterpiece constitutes the culmination of his quest for emotion and technique, oscillating between light and shadow, sensitivity and power.
Anecdote
“Every brushstroke brings me closer to the soul of nature,” Waterhouse reportedly said one sunny morning while strolling through the Victorian gardens. It was there, captivated by the glimmers of a gentle spring, that he imagined this pictorial work , full of grace and melancholy, a vibrant echo of the story of Ophelia.