Echo and Narcissus 1903

John William Waterhouse's "Echo and Narcissus," created in 1903, is a masterpiece that resonates with the timeless allure of ancient Greek mythology.

The painting intertwines themes of love, tragedy, and the transformative power of self-reflection. The artist skillfully captures the poignant moment when Echo, a mountain nymph, expresses her unrequited love for Narcissus, the breathtakingly beautiful youth who is consumed by his own reflection. As Echo pines for Narcissus, he remains entranced by his image, unaware of her presence. The play of light and shadow in the painting merges with the lush, otherworldly landscape, evoking a sense of ethereal enchantment. Waterhouse's meticulous attention to detail, from the delicate interplay of colors to the evocative expressions of the characters, imbues the artwork with a sense of emotional depth and introspection.

"Echo and Narcissus" stands as a testament to the artist's ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and the eternal allure of classical mythology in a captivating and evocative manner.