The Lady of Shalott is a ballad by Alfred Tennyson, a poet from the Biedermeier era. He interpreted the Nimue from the Arthurian legend, which has its roots in the Middle Ages.
The story tells the story of a woman who, as guardian of the spring, lives alone in a tower in the water. Everything she learns of the world she sees in a mirror; the motifs are woven into a huge carpet. One day, when she sees a beautiful knight, she looks out of the window against her purpose and triggers a curse. The mirror shatters and her longing lets her leave the tower. She climbs a boat, to which she wrote her name. She loses her vitality and she sings one last song.

JW Waterhouse begins this moment in his interpretation of 1888. Now, the first scrutiny of every observer first goes to the lettering on the boat. But only with difficulty can the words "The Lady of ..." be recognized. This is a skilful move of the artist, because the lady is known by many names. It is referred to, for example, as a lady, mistress, guardian or queen of the lake, the spring, the water or the well. As a first name in addition to Nimue also Vivian, Elaine and Niniane are called.
She sits in her boat, the big carpet with her, because she leaves nothing behind. The steps to the tower are behind her. The rusty chain is already solved, every moment she lets it slide out of hand. It has become autumn around them, nature breathes out her life, as the young lady is destined now. Two of the three candles in front of her are already gone. But the flame of the last candle shows that it has tailwind. A pair of swallows fly low over the water. They also seem to say goodbye to their trip to the south with a last greeting. The wooded hills in the distance are still in full green foliage.

Pillows are ready on the boat. The upper one is provided with golden pompoms. In its center a double-tailed black heraldic lion walks on a white background. That too is behind her. Her artful life's work seems to have dragged her lovelessly. The observer can see the detailed embroidery well, but the rug hangs in the water. One might think that the current is pulling him under the surface; or is it just leaves on the pond?
Before her in the boat is a crucifix, the man wears a red cloth around his loins, a rosary is carefully placed over his waist. The color of the cloth seems to correspond to the red of her lips.

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The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse. Available as an art print on canvas, photo paper, watercolor board, natural paper, or Japanese paper.
woman · bright · beautiful · boat · peaceful · quaint · water · sailing · blankets