The Magic Circle
John William Waterhouse · 1886
Why it's great
A sorceress draws a circle on the ground with a wand, while a raven and a cauldron wait nearby, on a wild, stormy moor. Waterhouse painted a witch casting a spell. The rich colors give it a magical feeling. It's a famous painting of witchcraft.
👀 Look closer!
Look at the witch and the circle on the ground. What do you think she is brewing?
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.
