The artwork titled “Consulting the Oracle” by John William Waterhouse, created circa 1884, is an oil painting on canvas that resides in a private collection at Tate Britain in London, UK. This piece is a part of the Romanticism art movement and measures 72 by 44 centimeters. It belongs to the genre of mythological paintings.
In the artwork, a group of women, depicted in rich and colorful attire, appear to be engrossed in a solemn ritual or séance within a dimly lit interior space, characterized by intricate decorative details and patterned architectural elements. The central figure, possibly the oracle herself, is positioned near an altar, engaging with a flame or lamp, while the other women sit and observe with various expressions of anticipation, curiosity, or contemplation. The scene is infused with a sense of mysticism and reverence, evoking the timeless allure of mythological narratives.