John William Waterhouse (Rome, April 6, 1849 – London, February 10, 1917) was a painter of mystery, beauty, and dreams. Continuing the Pre-Raphaelite tradition and adding some Impressionist touches, Waterhouse created an original and mystical world of melancholic, nostalgic, and often fatalistic beauties.
1896. Hylas and the Nymphs - Waterhouse painted this picture at the age of 47. The painting shows Hylas, the young and handsome companion of Hercules, surrounded by charming nymphs emerging from a tranquil pool of greenish water.
Hercules and Hylas had arrived at the island of Cios, and as soon as the nymphs approached the young Hylas, they were enchanted by his beauty.
Waterhouse is never direct; instead, he presents the situation just before the inevitable occurs. Hylas is being dragged by the Nymphs to their gloomy watery abode, but we don't see that tragic moment; we only see a Nymph taking Hylas's hand and focusing her cold, melancholic gaze upon him.
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