Facts About Circe Invidiosa
John William Waterhouse's painting "Circe Invidiosa" completed in 1892, vividly brings to life the mythological character Circe from Ovid's "Metamorphoses." In this mesmerizing work, Circe is shown transforming Scylla into a sea monster out of jealousy and rejection. This compelling piece is part of the Art Gallery of South Australia's esteemed collection.
Waterhouse employs a powerful palette of deep greens and blues, creating an aura of menace around Circe. Unlike other interpretations that cast her as purely malevolent, Waterhouse's Circe is portrayed with greater nuance, embodying a tragic dimension. This aligns with his exploration of the femme fatale archetype, a popular theme in late nineteenth-century art.
One intriguing aspect of the painting is how it encourages viewers to contemplate whether Circe is a goddess or simply a woman. Waterhouse's portrayal deviates from the more monstrous depictions of Circe by other Symbolist artists, offering a unique and thought-provoking interpretation of this legendary figure.