“The Household Gods” by John William Waterhouse, created in 1880 using oil on canvas, is an exemplar of the Romanticism art movement. This mythological painting, measuring 102.55 x 74.3 cm, resides in a private collection.
In the artwork, two young women are depicted in a domestic ritual setting, likely offering homage to household deities, a scene deeply rooted in classical mythology. The standing woman clad in a pale green tunic holds a basket of offerings, such as laurel leaves or herbs, while the seated woman presents a dish, perhaps containing incense or libations, to the altar. The background reveals an intimate interior adorned with frescoes and architectural details, emphasizing the sacred nature of the space. The meticulous composition, attention to detail, and soft use of light and color are characteristic of Waterhouse’s Romantic style, demonstrating his deep fascination with classical antiquity and mythological themes.