“After the Dance” is an illustrious artwork created by John William Waterhouse in the year 1876. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the Romanticism art movement and is categorized as a literary painting. It measures 76.2 by 127 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a serene interior scene where two young women rest after a dance. The detail and composition reflect the neoclassical influence, characteristic of Waterhouse’s affinity for historical and literary subjects. The foreground features a reclining figure draped in a vibrant orange garment, holding a musical tambourine, possibly symbolizing the just-concluded dance. Adjacent to her, another figure sits contemplatively, exuding a quietude that contrasts the more lively background where two men are engaged in conversation, hinting at the cultural practices of the era depicted. The meticulous attention to textures and the interplay of light and shadow underscore Waterhouse’s mastery in evoking a sense of narrative and emotional depth.