“The Magic Circle” is an artwork created by John William Waterhouse in 1886. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece is associated with the Romanticism movement and falls under the genre of mythological painting. The artwork, which measures 127 by 183 cm, is part of a private collection housed in Tate Britain, London, UK.
The artwork portrays a mystical and enchanting scene featuring a solitary female figure, likely a sorceress or witch, engaged in an arcane ritual. She stands barefoot on parched, barren ground, surrounded by a group of crows or ravens. The woman wields a long wand in one hand, while the other hand appears to sprinkle a substance into a cauldron, from which a column of smoke or magical glow rises dramatically. The extensive use of dark tones and the desolate backdrop contribute to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the scene. This depiction exemplifies Waterhouse’s adeptness in imbuing his narrative with emotional depth and enchanting allure, characteristic of the Romanticism art movement.
