“Fair Rosamund (study)” is an oil painting on canvas created circa 1916 by the esteemed artist John William Waterhouse. This artwork, measuring 48 x 60.6 cm, is a representative piece of the Romanticism movement and belongs to the genre of history painting. Currently, it is housed in the National Museum Cardiff in Cardiff, UK.
The artwork depicts a woman, identified as Fair Rosamund, gazing intently out of a window. She is dressed in a flowing blue gown, her demeanor reflecting a sense of longing or contemplation. Her hands are clasped together, and she leans slightly forward against the wooden windowsill adorned with a few pink flowers. In the background, beyond the window, a castle or large stone structure can be seen, adding to the narrative and historical context of the scene. Another notable element is the figure behind the curtain, possibly observing her, adding a layer of intrigue to the composition. An ornate framed picture of a medieval scene rests on a chair covered with a green velvet fabric, further enriching the historical ambiance and detail of the setting. The overall tone of the painting is deeply evocative, with rich colors and detailed textures, characteristic of Waterhouse’s celebrated style.