“The Crystal Ball,” created by John William Waterhouse in 1902, is an oil on canvas artwork that belongs to the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. Measuring 78.7 by 120.7 cm, this captivating piece resides in a private collection.
The artwork features a young woman, cloaked in a flowing red garment, standing with a contemplative expression as she gazes intently into a crystal ball she holds delicately in her hands. The setting, marked by an arched window and an elaborate interior, evokes a sense of mysticism and introspection. The room, adorned with a skull on a table, open books, and a half-drawn curtain, suggests an atmosphere of scholarly endeavor and arcane knowledge. The details in the artwork, from the rich textures of the woman’s attire to the serene yet enigmatic backdrop, invite viewers into a scene that is at once intimate and enthralling.