The Favorites of the Emperor Honorius
John William Waterhouse · 1883
Why it's great
The weak emperor Honorius was told that Rome had fallen and said it couldn't be, he had just fed her. He meant his pet chicken, which he had named Roma. John William Waterhouse shows the emperor with his birds in 1883.
🏛️ Part of history
The Fall of the Western Roman Empire (312–476) — The weak emperor Honorius was told that Rome had fallen and said it couldn't be, he had just fed her.
Where to see it
📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.
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.
