The Siren
John William Waterhouse · 1900
Why it's great
A sea siren with long hair sits on a rock, gazing out at a ship, as she sings in the glow of the sunset. Waterhouse painted the dangerous, beautiful singer of Greek myth. The warm and cool colors are charming. It's a captivating painting.
👀 Look closer!
The siren is singing to a ship. Can you find the ship?
Where to see it
🔒 Private collectionOwned by a person or family, so it isn't usually on public display.
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.
