From the Deep Waters

by Toshiyuki Takamiya

The lure of the siren, the comeliness of the mermaid, the elegiac beauty of Ophelia -- in page after page of captivating paintings by such artists as J.W. Waterhouse, Frederick Lord Leighton, Gustav Klimt, Edward Burne-Jones, and other Pre-Raphaelites, this exquisite volume takes a mystical journey into the deep waters where romantic art flows together with female enigma and timeless mystery. These sensuous images -- many inspired by literary scenes from the likes of Homer's Odyssey, Mallory's Morte d'Arthur, and Tennyson's Lady of Shalott --seduce the eye and beguile the mind, making From the Deep Waters a visual delight and a gift to be treasured.

Genres: Art, Mermaids

110 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 2 out of 5]

NOT actually from the deep waters. Mostly from the shallow waters, or barely related to water.

I'm sorry, if you choose the title "From the Deep Waters" and mention "myth and mystery" in the subtitle, I expect an exploration of oceanic mythology, not a thin excuse for yet another collection of moist Pre-Raphaelite hotties.



Ophelia is not a mythical mystery. She is a character from a play, who drowns. That is not DEEP WATER. Ditto Elaine and the Lady of Shalott, but even moreso because they don't even drown, they are just dead in boats.



Unless you know someone who happens to like water images and Pre-Raphaelite art, but for some reason doesn't already have other books that include these all very oft-reproduced images, I see no reason to get this. There is no text except a final essay, and no attempt at broadening or comparing historical or cultural depictions of water spirits -- something that I would have been interested in. The only exception to the 19th century origin is a piece by the author himself (some nerve including that, I say).

[Zombaby Cera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book since the age of fourteen, but I finally got around to reading the little bits that the author added. A great art book with lots of Waterhouse pieces included. Great for any coffee table!

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty pictures, ridiculous essay at the end. Really feels like some academic’s lazy attempt to get another publication under his belt.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coffee table book of pre-raphaelite art inspired by water and water mythology from mermaids and Greek nymphs to the watery death of Hamlet's Ophelia.