It is one of the most recognizable examples of nineteenth-century British art, intermingling the bygone ideals of the mid-century Pre-Raphaelite movement, the nascent Symbolist ideals in literature and painting, and the detritus of medieval myths and legends that seem to forever linger in the English countryside. Indeed, John William Waterhouse's 1888 painting, "The Lady of Shalott" is a throwback to the ideals and visual lexicon of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood that greatly influenced the reigning decadent style of 1880s Paris. As a broader historical movement, Symbolism in art and literature aimed to combine poetry and painting, shun documentary realism in favor of experiential evocation, and capture the emotional resonance of a scene. Unusually abstract for late-nineteenth century popular art, Symbolism delved into the mysticism of accursed female protagonists. Combining many constituent elements of all of these then-dominant styles, Waterhouse's "The Lady of Shalott" became an instant success. Like his later mature work "The Soul of The Rose", "The Lady of Shalott" was inspired by a poem by the leading poet of the Victorian era, Alfred Lord Tennyson. The poet's ballad '"The Lady of Shalott"' narrates the fate of a woman confined to a tower - a typically medieval fate - and allowed to only see the world beyond her prison through its reflection in a mirror. This legend, said to date from the mysterious time of King Arthur, ends with the tragic figure catching sight of the Knight Lancelot in her mirror. Wishing to see the true likeness of the object of her affections, the Lady drops the mirror and looks at the Knight directly. The curse takes hold and she leaves her tower, sailing mournfully down the river to meet her death.
It is one of the most recognizable examples of nineteenth-century British art, intermingling the bygone ideals of the mid-century Pre-Raphaelite movement, the nascent Symbolist ideals in literature and painting, and the detritus of medieval myths and legends that seem to forever linger in the English countryside. Indeed, John William Waterhouse’s 1888 painting, “The Lady of Shalott” is a throwback to the ideals and visual lexicon of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood that greatly influenced the reigning decadent style of 1880s Paris. As a broader historical movement, Symbolism in art and literature aimed to combine poetry and painting, shun documentary realism in favor of experiential evocation, and capture the emotional resonance of a scene. Unusually abstract for late-nineteenth century popular art, Symbolism delved into the mysticism of accursed female protagonists. Combining many constituent elements of all of these then-dominant styles, Waterhouse’s “The Lady of Shalott” became an instant success. Like his later mature work “The Soul of The Rose”, “The Lady of Shalott” was inspired by a poem by the leading poet of the Victorian era, Alfred Lord Tennyson. The poet’s ballad ‘"The Lady of Shalott"’ narrates the fate of a woman confined to a tower — a typically medieval fate — and allowed to only see the world beyond her prison through its reflection in a mirror. This legend, said to date from the mysterious time of King Arthur, ends with the tragic figure catching sight of the Knight Lancelot in her mirror. Wishing to see the true likeness of the object of her affections, the Lady drops the mirror and looks at the Knight directly. The curse takes hold and she leaves her tower, sailing mournfully down the river to meet her death.
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Lifetime Warranty
“Is this new?” That is what you are going to hear for the next 50 years. Your yellows will stay as yellow as the first day you hung your art. If not, we will replace it.
Handcrafted Quality
Every item is made-to-order and assembled in-house by our team, using only premium materials...cuz we're a little obsessed about art.
Made in The USA
All of our premium materials are sourced from the states, and then assembled at iCanvas, in Illinois. Lincoln would be proud.
Canvas Print Framing Options
Gallery Wrapped Canvas
All of our artwork comes gallery wrapped. The image is stretched around the sides and stapled to the
back of the wooden frame. Your piece of art will be ready to hang, and will include an easy-to-use
hanging kit.
Canvas Stretcher Bar Keys
The use of canvas stretcher bar keys is essential for preserving the visual appeal of canvas artwork, as they allow for the adjustment of canvas tension, which in turn guarantees a surface that is free of wrinkles. Stretcher keys are the preferred canvas stretching method by art professionals around the world as well as ours.
FRAME OPTIONS
Black & white matte frames have a sleek lacquer finish and are versatile enough to pair with almost any piece of art. Mottled gold & silver frames are hard wood with a textured metallic finish. Silver pairs well with cool colors and dark backgrounds, while gold pairs particularly well with classic art, traditional décor, and warmer colors. Dark wood can look great with rustic, farmhouse, nature and photography prints.
Framed Canvas Framing Options
Gallery Wrapped Canvas
All of our artwork comes gallery wrapped. The image is stretched around the sides and stapled to the
back of the wooden frame. Your piece of art will be ready to hang, and will include an easy-to-use
hanging kit.
Floating Frame
A little “armor for your art” that won‘t obscure the canvas. Your canvas print is
gallery wrapped and mounted to a 2" thick, elegant, black hard wood frame. The art is inset, leaving a
3/8" space between the art and frame, creating the illusion that your art is “floating.”
FRAME OPTIONS
Black & white matte frames have a sleek lacquer finish and are versatile enough to pair with almost any piece of art. Mottled gold & silver frames are hard wood with a textured metallic finish. Silver pairs well with cool colors and dark backgrounds, while gold pairs particularly well with classic art, traditional décor, and warmer colors. Dark wood can look great with rustic, farmhouse, nature and photography prints.
About Fine Art Prints
Fine Art Paper
Presented on heavyweight (300 GSM) fine art paper with a distinct textured surface, using long-lasting ultra-chrome inks. A white border is left around the artwork for self-matting or to draw the eye in further.
Low-Glare Acrylic
Acrylite clear-coat premium glazing reduces glare while maintaining a crystal clear view of your art. Your art will be well protected and easy to clean.
Frame Options
Our Indonesian hardwood frames are handcrafted at iCanvas. Black & white matte frames have a sleek lacquer finish and are versatile enough to pair with almost any piece of art.
Mottled Gold has a textured metallic finish and pairs particularly well with classic art, traditional décor, and warmer colors.
Natural Wood brings the outdoors in and pairs well with watercolors, Scandinavian style artwork, or any natural, earthy subject matter.
Highest Quality Standards
Giclee Printing Process
The standard for precision and stunning color reproduction.
Premium Materials
The best quality canvas for texture and finish; premium inks for vivid color; hand-stretched over 100% North American pine frames.
Handcrafted
Every item is made-to-order — printed, stretched, and stapled here, at iCanvas.
Canvas Horizontal
Canvas Vertical
Canvas Square
