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| Hylas and the Nymphs by John William Waterhouse |
Review of "Hylas and the Nymphs" (1896) by John William Waterhouse
"Hylas and the Nymphs" (1896) is a captivating oil painting by the renowned English artist John William Waterhouse. Based on a tragic moment from Greek and Roman mythology, the painting depicts the fateful encounter between Hylas, a young companion of Hercules, and a group of water nymphs known as Naiads. The painting beautifully captures the moment of Hylas' abduction as he is seduced by the nymphs while searching for fresh water, a moment derived from Ovid's writings and other ancient sources. Today, this iconic work is displayed in the Manchester Art Gallery.
Mythological Background
The story of Hylas is one of tragedy and allure. Hylas was the son of King Theiodamas of the Dryopians, and after his father's death at the hands of Hercules, he became a loyal companion to the hero. Both Hylas and Hercules joined Jason's crew aboard the Argo in the quest for the Golden Fleece. During the journey, Hylas was sent to fetch water, but his fate took a tragic turn when he discovered a pond inhabited by the alluring Naiads. The nymphs, drawn to his beauty, enchanted him and pulled him into the water, where he vanished, never to return.
The Painting
Waterhouse’s rendition of this myth is both delicate and powerful. The painting, measuring 98.2 by 163.3 cm (38.7 in × 64.3 in), shows Hylas, garbed in a blue tunic with a red sash, bending down beside a lush, verdant pond. He reaches towards the nymphs, who emerge from the water amidst water lilies, their alabaster skin glowing under the soft light. The nymphs' faces are serene yet enigmatic, their auburn hair adorned with yellow and white flowers. This scene captures a moment of seduction, as the nymphs lure Hylas into their watery domain.
The Enticement and Composition
Hylas is depicted as entranced by the nymphs, his profile almost hidden in shadow, which contrasts with the clear, radiant faces of the nymphs gazing upon him. One nymph grasps his wrist, while another tugs at his tunic, and a third offers him pearls, symbolizing the allure of their world. The viewer's attention is drawn to the nymphs in the water, and the absence of Hercules from the scene shifts the narrative focus away from Hylas’ role as a companion of the hero and centers it on the nymphs' mysterious, almost sinister, nature.
Symbolism and Atmosphere
The lush, secluded setting of the painting further amplifies the sense of isolation and vulnerability. Waterhouse uses this intimate, secluded environment to evoke a feeling of impending danger, as Hylas reaches closer to the water's edge. The absence of any clear sky in the painting and the subtle upward perspective suggest a moment trapped in time, emphasizing the depth of the water as a symbol of the unknown and the perilous allure of the nymphs. The nymphs’ similar physical features and their connection to nature underscore the mystical yet dangerous quality of their world.
Historical Context and Controversy
Upon its completion, Hylas and the Nymphs was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1897, shortly before being acquired by the Manchester Art Gallery. The painting has since sparked considerable public discussion, especially in light of modern debates about the objectification of women. In January 2018, the painting was temporarily removed from display at the Manchester Art Gallery in response to contemporary conversations surrounding gender, exploitation, and the #MeToo movement. The decision, influenced by artist Sonia Boyce and curator Clare Gannaway, was not intended as censorship but rather as a catalyst for discussion about the depiction of women in art. However, this action faced a backlash, with critics, including art historian Elizabeth Prettejohn, arguing that removing the painting shut down potential dialogue. After a week, the painting was returned to public view due to the strong opinions expressed by the public and the ongoing debate about the artwork’s significance in today's context.
Significance
The story of Hylas was a recurring subject for British artists during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable works include depictions by William Etty (1833) and Henrietta Rae (1910), as well as an earlier portrayal by Waterhouse himself (1893). Waterhouse also explored other tragic figures from Greek mythology, such as Narcissus, which he captured in his painting Echo and Narcissus (1903) at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. Additionally, Waterhouse's poem Hercules and Hylas was published by Francis Burdett Thomas Coutts-Nevill in 1896.
Conclusion
Hylas and the Nymphs is a hauntingly beautiful and complex painting that invites viewers to reflect on themes of beauty, temptation, and the fine line between allure and danger. Waterhouse's mastery in capturing both the seductive qualities of the nymphs and the tragic fate of Hylas speaks to the timeless relevance of mythological stories. The painting’s removal and subsequent return to public display have highlighted the enduring impact of Waterhouse’s work in the context of modern cultural and ethical discussions, making it more relevant today than ever before. The emotional depth, intricate symbolism, and timeless narrative continue to make Hylas and the Nymphs a thought-provoking masterpiece.
