Customer Reviews

J.W. Waterhouse

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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This has to be the best book yet on the works of Waterhouse. Its got historic facts and stories about his young life to a successful artist in Britain. The author goes in depth about concepts and theories of how Waterhouse think in terms of painting and storytelling. It also talks about the other Pre-Raphealists that lived at the same time as Waterhouse; their influence and relationship to him. What I love about the most is the high quality of the prints. The book is big in scale and the prints are marvelous in fullfilling the space.
If you like Waterhouse or Pre-Rapheal artworks this is one book that you won't want to miss.

This is the best book on the works of John William Waterhouse to date. From Waterhouse's early works to his decline in popularity after World War 1 to his rediscovery, everything you wanted to know about his works and the man himself. Also his master works like Saint Cecilia, Hylas and the Nymphs and many others are presented in wonderful color to take your breath away. If that wasn't enough some addition works from Rossetti, Burn-Jones and Millais and other Victorian era artists are also featured here. This the ultimate book for lovers of Waterhouse's art works.

This is the best J.W. Waterhouse book ever published. It's filled with tons of big color photos and information. I recommend this book to everybody who loves him.

If you have any interest into the life and work of J.W.Waterhouse this is a fantastic book - the pictures are simply stunning and the author has an obvious love for the subject - I was very pleased with the book and would encourage anyone to purchase it. :)

JW Waterhouse is one of those myriad Victorian painters whose works appear in 'books beautiful', covers for art magazines and programs, and in general, works for the boudoir. Touches of femininity such as found in his many works have been regarded as kitsch, not allowable in the museums or important art collections. Humbug!

Peter Trippi at last places Waterhouse's output in a light of respect and examines his paintings with reference to the times in which they were painted and the social and gender biases of the Victorian era (biases which extended well into the 20th century!). He further offers apologies to the artist for our neglect in a way that raises our attention to a new level of appreciation. This book is lavishly illustrated with superb color reproductions of full paintings and details of paintings. Trippi's writing is scholarly and immensely readable.

It is a joy to see works of the past century enter the arena of fine art. Time moves slowly: first the Pre-Raphaelites and now JW Waterhouse and his fellow painters of myth and romance. A fine volume and excellent introduction to the topic. Grady Harp, August 05

This is the most complete book on Waterhouse I've come across yet. When researching this artist, I was surprised to find that there were very few books written just about Waterhouse. Without this book, it would have been very hard to research him at all.

The book is laid out beautifully so that even if you never read the whole thing, you can enjoy it. The paintings are displayed in full color and many of them cover a whole page. Sketches and other art by Waterhouse's contemporaries as well as art that he was inspired by are also included.

The book is laid out like an illustrated biography. Starting from birth to death, Trippi shows Waterhouse's life by his paintings and sketches since very few written documents of his life survive. Each chapter shows an era in his life and how he changed over the years by style and technique. Trippi explains much of the background of the paintings and mentions artwork still missing as well as other mysteries of Waterhouse's life. This is skillfully told including all the elements you want when getting to know an artist; his life, color pictures, inspirations, contemporaries, techniques and more.

I loved reading through this and at the end felt a heightened respect for the artist. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to know more about Waterhouse.

but on the pre-Raphaelites as a group, too.

Waterhouse's subject are almost always willowy, languid models from mythological themes. He often chooses scenes and poses that emphasize the youthful woman's partial deshabille - others in this school, especially Alma-Tadema, found more ways to lose more of the clothing, though. Waterhouse was active during the late Victorian period up through the early twentieth century, and was one of a large group of painters, including Millais, Rosetti, Burne-Jones, and numerous others. Those artists supplied the seemingly insatiable market of gentlemen buying the trappings of 'culture' and 'success.' Under the name of Art, these Victorian gentleman would surround themselves with the very finest unclad forms - it was a lucrative market, and respected in its time.

Whatever one may think of the topics or buyers, there is no disputing Waterhouse's technical mastery. His figures are generally elegant, and elegantly draped (or un-draped). Still, he found reason to render more realistic 'peasant' figures, too. His romantic topics are easy to enjoy, although they do cloy after a while. This is very fine presentation of his art, with an informative biographywoven in.

My only criticisms of the book come from its weak focus on Waterhouse's art. Trippi offers many samples from Waterhouse's contemporaries, far more than I think necessary for creating context and contrast. The text, though helpful, often took up space I would rather have seen devoted to larger reproductions. Still, this presentation is a good one, and has a place in any collection western painting.

//wiredweird

The hardback edition of this book is a gorgeous thing to have. Fact and works are all there beautifully arranged. Whether you love or not Waterhouse's works this is a must have book to any book shelf.

I was inclined to buy it following the path of excellent reviews at Amazon.com and I am not disappointed.

I love boks on painting that give a good balance between the artists' lives and their works, which is something not so common as you would think it should be.

Have it.

This book is very well illustrated. You can learn to sense/feel what J.W. was feeling at the time of the painting. He poured all of his emotion onto the canvas and you can actually get a sense of that just from this book. I would definately recommend it to everyone!

Peter Trippi is to be commended for his beautiful new publication -- J W Waterhouse. It is a well researched text that includes Waterhouse studies, paintings and photographs not gathered together before for so many to enjoy. Peter carries forward the tradition of Anthony Hobson as he shares insights and information with all those who love the art of J W Waterhouse -- those insights and information are most appreciatively received.