Circe Invidiosa - John William Waterhouse

A 1892 oil painting by John William Waterhouse depicting the sorceress Circe pouring a potion into the sea.

Circe Invidiosa, painted by John William Waterhouse in 1892, depicts the sorceress from Homer's Odyssey. The subject stands knee-deep in water, pouring a potion into the sea to transform her rival, Scylla, into a sea monster. This work is part of a series of paintings by Waterhouse exploring the character of Circe, a figure who frequently appeared in late nineteenth-century art. The composition focuses on the figure of Circe, whose expression is one of cold determination. She wears a deep blue robe that contrasts with the luminous green of the liquid spilling from her bowl. The background is dark and indistinct, suggesting a secluded, watery environment. Waterhouse employs a controlled colour palette, using the emerald green of the potion to draw the eye toward the centre of the frame. The light catches the surface of the water and the fabric of her dress, creating a sense of volume and texture. Waterhouse was associated with the later phase of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, often drawing inspiration from classical mythology and literature. His approach to this subject avoids the more decorative tendencies of his contemporaries, opting instead for a psychological portrayal of the sorceress. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Art Gallery of South Australia. This museum-grade print captures the subtle tonal shifts and the specific quality of light that defines the original oil painting, providing a clear view of the brushwork and the atmospheric depth of the scene.