Lamia John William Waterhouse (1849-1917)

In this painting titled Lamia, a young woman with long, flowing auburn hair is depicted in a natural, wooded setting. She is seated on rocks beside a body of water, possibly a pond or stream, with lily pads and reeds visible. She is wearing a loose, draped pink garment that reveals one shoulder and part of her chest, and a richly patterned cloth with iridescent greens and blues is wrapped around her lower body. Her gaze is downcast, and she appears to be attending to her hair, which cascades around her. One hand is raised, seemingly adjusting a jeweled ornament in her hair, while the other rests on her lap. Her bare foot dangles precariously close to the waters surface, almost touching it.

The subtexts of the painting can be interpreted through several elements:

• Mythology and Temptation: The title Lamia refers to a mythical figure, often depicted as a serpent-woman who preys on humans. While the painting doesnt explicitly show snake-like features, the presence of the patterned cloth and perhaps the overall atmosphere of seductive allure hint at this legend. Lamia is often associated with danger and temptation, suggesting a hidden, possibly sinister aspect beneath the womans beauty.

• Beauty and Vulnerability: The womans unadorned beauty, her soft skin, and the vulnerable pose, with a bare shoulder and delicate foot, highlight her femininity. However, the proximity to the water and the shadows in the background could imply a sense of isolation or even danger associated with her beauty.

• Nature and Etherealism: The lush, green environment and the way sunlight filters through the leaves create an ethereal, dreamlike quality. The woman is integrated into this natural setting, suggesting a connection to primal forces or a mythological being dwelling in nature. The water itself can symbolize a liminal space, a boundary between worlds.

• Sensuality and Restraint: The low-cut dress and the exposed breast, along with her contemplative pose, convey a subtle sensuality. Yet, her downcast eyes and the act of arranging her hair suggest a degree of modesty or perhaps a private moment. The contrasting textures and colors – the soft pink of her dress and the vibrant, patterned cloth – add to the visual richness and complexity of the scene, hinting at layers beneath the surface.

Overall, the painting Lamia likely explores themes of feminine beauty, its allure, and its potential danger, set against a backdrop of enchanting, almost otherworldly nature, alluding to mythological narratives of seductive and possibly perilous beings.