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Miracles, magic and the power of prophecy are common themes in Waterhouse's art. More specifically, the notion of woman as enchantress is one that recurs in images such as 'Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysees' (1891, Oldham Art Gallery) and 'Hylas and the Nymphs' (1896, Manchester City Art Gallery). His oeuvre also includes a number of middle-eastern subjects, in which he drew on the work of contemporary artists such as J. F Lewis and Lawrence Alma-Tadema, rather than on actual experience. This is one of Waterhouse's earlier works, and reflects his fascination with the exotic. The woman in this picture appears to be a witch or priestess, endowed with magic powers, possibly the power of prophecy. Her dress and general appearance is highly eclectic, and is derived from several sources: she has the swarthy complexion of a woman of middle-eastern origin; her hairstyle is like that of an early Anglo-Saxon; her dress is decorated with Persian or Greek warriors.
The meaning of the picture is unclear, but its mystery and exoticism struck a chord with contemporary observers. When the picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1886 the critic for the Magazine of Art wrote 'Mr Waterhouse, in ''The Magic Circle'', is still at his best – original in conception and pictorial in his results' (quoted in Hobson, p.37).
Further reading: Anthony Hobson, 'J. W. Waterhouse', Oxford 1989, pp.37–38, reproduced p.36. Christopher Wood, 'Victorian Painting', London 1999, pp.236–242. Frances Fowle December 2000
Title
The Magic Circle
Date
1886
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 182.9 x W 127 cm
Accession number
N01572
Acquisition method
Presented by the Trustees of the Chantrey Bequest 1886
Work type
Painting
Inscription description
date inscribed
-
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