Reproduction of "The Soul of the Rose, John William Waterhouse's in Pastels and oils. Symbolism behind the Art.
- Naima Namaste
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 26
The most effective method to enhance your artistic abilities is by replicating and studying the works of the Old Masters.
John William Waterhouse is one of my favorite painters and so I am sharing with you my own version of the Soul of the Rose and Boreas that I titled "Where Roses Bloom".
Who is John William Waterhouse?
John William Waterhouse (1849–1917) was a British painter known for his enchanting depictions of mythological, literary, and historical subjects. Blending Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics with classical and Romantic influences, he painted ethereal, introspective women often set in lush, dreamlike landscapes.
John William Waterhouse was deeply inspired by mythology, literature, and the Pre-Raphaelite movement, which emphasized beauty, rich detail, and vibrant colors.
His feminine portraits often depict ethereal, enigmatic women drawn from classical mythology, Arthurian legends, and Romantic poetry. Here are some of his main inspirations:
1. Pre-Raphaelite Influence – Although he painted later than the original Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Waterhouse was heavily influenced by their style. He embraced their fascination with medieval and mythological themes, as well as their use of bright colors and intricate details.
2. Mythology & Literature – Many of his paintings feature women from Greek and Roman mythology, such as *Circe*, *Ariadne*, and *Pandora*. He was also drawn to characters from literary works, particularly those of Alfred Lord Tennyson, John Keats, and William Shakespeare.
His famous paintings of *The Lady of Shalott* (based on Tennyson’s poem) reflect this literary influence.
3. Femme Fatale Archetype – Waterhouse often depicted women with an air of mystery, danger, or melancholy. His paintings of *Circe*, *Lamia*, and *Ophelia* highlight the allure and complexity of these figures, sometimes portraying them as enchanting yet tragic.
4. Romanticism & Emotion – His women are often portrayed in moments of deep thought, longing, or transformation.
Their expressions, body language, and surroundings evoke emotion, making them more than just beautiful figures but also emotionally compelling.
5. Nature & Symbolism – Like the Pre-Raphaelites, Waterhouse often included nature and symbolic elements in his portraits, such as water (a symbol of transformation and fate), flowers (representing beauty and transience), and mirrors (often linked to self-reflection or magic).
Waterhouse’s unique blend of Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics with classical and Romantic themes made his portrayals of women particularly captivating.
Creating my own version of my favorite painting:
"the Soul of the Rose".
The Soul of the Rose (1908) is one of Waterhouse’s most enchanting and romantic paintings. It depicts a young woman gently smelling a rose, lost in thought.
The painting is inspired by Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem Maud, particularly the lines:
"There has fallen a splendid tear
From the passion-flower at the gate.
She is coming, my dove, my dear;
She is coming, my life, my fate;
The red rose cries,
She is near, she is near;
And the white rose weeps,
She is late;
he larkspur listens, I hear, I hear;
nd the lily whispers, I wait.’”
This work reflects Waterhouse’s fascination with beauty, longing, and introspection. The woman, dressed in a flowing gown with auburn hair, is depicted in a moment of solitude, savoring the fragrance of the rose. The lush background of stone walls and climbing flowers adds to the intimate and timeless atmosphere.
Like many of Waterhouse’s works, The Soul of the Rose evokes themes of love, memory, and fleeting moments of passion. The way the woman leans into the rose suggests deep emotion, perhaps longing for a lost love or reminiscing about something dear to her.
As I began working on this painting and the "Boreas" piece, my emphasis was on the colors which were warms and earth tones. I included collages of poetry, French words, and French rose petals. This is how I interpret these paintings, infusing them with my personal touch of French romance and beauty.
In Boreas, I intentionally altered the background and encircled the woman with roses and wildflowers to embody femininity and a profound connection to nature.
Similarly, in my personal work such as The Soul's Journey, the woman becomes one with her environment, including the sky, sea, waterfall, and nature. There’s a kind of quiet melancholy in her expression too, like she’s caught in a fleeting moment of solitude or deep meditation.
Close up of my paintings
Creating these paintings was incredibly enriching for me. I chose to trust my feminine intuition, crafting each layer with pastels and blending various colors while closely observing the originals.
However, I opted to follow my own path, using my preferred method as well as l incorporating textures and elements that aligned with my personal aesthetic.
My paintings capture both the fragility and strength of women, which is one of the main reasons I greatly appreciate Pre-Raphaelite painters and enjoy creating these works.
Naïma
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