“The Awakening of Adonis,” painted by John William Waterhouse in 1899, is an oil on canvas artwork measuring 188 by 95.9 cm. This Romanticism piece belongs to the mythological painting genre and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a serene, mythological scene set in a lush, idyllic garden. The central figure, Adonis, lies on the ground surrounded by flowers, being attentively attended to by other figures. A woman, likely representing a mythological deity or muse, bends over Adonis, her expression one of concern and tenderness. Around them, cherubic children, possibly representing cupids or other mythological beings, engage in various attentive activities, enhancing the theme of rejuvenation and awakening. The setting includes gently swaying flowers, a placid water body, and distant classical architecture, contributing to the romantic and mythical atmosphere. The naturalistic details and soft color palette characteristic of Waterhouse’s style are evident throughout the painting.