Study for ‘Saint Eulalia’ c. 1885

Editor: This is a sketch, a preparatory study by John William Waterhouse for his painting ‘Saint Eulalia’. It’s small, and in monochrome, and quite haunting. What strikes you when you look at this, its rough, immediate quality? Curator: It’s raw, isn't it? Almost like glimpsing a dream mid-process. Waterhouse is figuring out the weight of Eulalia's martyrdom, the stark contrast between defiance and death. Do you see how the sketchy lines almost vibrate with unspoken emotion? It’s like the air crackles around her. Editor: Yes, absolutely. The figure standing over her is compelling. What is she doing? Curator: She is the Roman statue, an idol which Eulalia refused to worship, that resulted in her martyrdom. Waterhouse emphasizes the statue, almost mockingly, as if to ask, "What power do you truly hold?" How does that reading sit with you? Editor: It makes sense; the statue does seem to be judging her. I’ll definitely look at Waterhouse differently from now on.