Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon, my Darlings.   For today’s Mermaid Monday post, I have decided to do an examination of the amazing John William Waterhouse painting, Hylas and the Nymphs.

I have adored this painting since I was a young teenager.   The beautiful Water Nymphs gathered together in the water, casting an enchantment over Hylas, is a truly iconic image.   Those familiar with my Incarnated Mermaid Diaries series of posts will know that I have been using this painting as the backdrop for the image I use for each entry in that series!   So, yes, it is quite clear that this painting holds a special place in my heart.

Now, it is not a surprise that someone who works with Mermaids, Mermaid Goddesses, and Faery Queens would love Mermaid artwork.   That definitely includes several works by John William Waterhouse, like this one, and his other paintings, A Mermaid, The Siren, Circe Invidiosa, A Naiad, and Undine.    Those are just some of my favorite examples of Mermaidy artwork by Waterhouse, as there are even more than that.

You may be wondering why I have chosen to analyze this painting.   Well, the answer is that I think that this painting is both a perfect example of Water Faery energy and also an ideal example of Sisterhood energy.   Given that I have been working so deeply with building Community, with building a Sisterhood, through my work with teaching The Melusine Mysteries, and soon Lessons from Celtic Mermaids, it made this the ideal artwork to discuss!

In this painting, Hylas has happened upon a group of Water Nymphs.   The Nymphs are seeking to enchant him, to draw him into the depths.   It is clear that he is very taken with them and that he may be in danger of drowning.   That is part of the power of the painting, to be honest.   It is the Water Nymphs who hold the power, for they can either bless or curse Hylas, as they please!   They seem very calm and peaceful, holding a healing power of water, but they are also the ones in charge, a reminder of the dangers of water, like drowning.   That may be what drew me to this painting so much growing up.    The Water Nymphs are completely confident in their own skin, and they hold their power gently, but they know that it is them that are truly in charge of this situation.   Finally, I want to say that I really love the energy of this group of Water Nymphs who seem to be a Sisterhood, a solid Community, loving and there for one another.   That is truly where my association with Sisterhood comes from!

I hope you have enjoyed reading my thoughts about this really lovely painting.    Do you love this painting?   What does it mean to you?   Would you be interested in more posts examining my favorite paintings in this way in the future?   Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Note on Image: The image at the top of the post is Hylas and the Nymphs by John William Waterhouse.   I found the art on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylas_and_the_Nymphs_(painting)#/media/File:Waterhouse_Hylas_and_the_Nymphs_Manchester_Art_Gallery_1896.15.jpg.

LINK TO AVALONIAN ROSE FAERY MYSTERIES PATREON: patreon.com/AvalonianRoseFaeryMysteries