Consulting the Oracle
John William Waterhouse · 1884
Why it's great
Priestesses and visitors gather around a bronze bowl to hear a prophecy in an ancient Greek temple. Waterhouse studied ancient art to get the details right. The women lean in with awe. It's an atmospheric picture of ancient belief.
Where to see it
📍 Tate BritainLondon, United Kingdom
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
John William Waterhouse was born in Rome to English parents and later lived in London. He painted women from myths and legends — such as the Lady of Shalott and sirens — in lush, colorful detail. He admired the Pre-Raphaelites, who came before him. He died in London in 1917.
