The Magic Circle – John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse’s The Magic Circle (1886): A Glimpse into the Supernatural

John William Waterhouse’s The Magic Circle, painted in 1886, stands as one of the artist’s most intriguing works, blending Pre-Raphaelite sensibilities with a profound exploration of magic, mystery, and femininity. This oil painting exists in two versions: a larger one housed in Tate Britain and a smaller one in a private collection. The artwork features a woman conjuring a fiery magic circle, possibly as part of an ancient sorcerous ritual. Rich in symbolism and mystery, the painting encapsulates many of the themes Waterhouse was known for, including the power of women and the allure of the unknown.

Key Themes

The Power of Women in Magic and Prophecy

Waterhouse’s body of work is deeply engaged with the idea of women as powerful figures in realms of magic, prophecy, and enchantment. This thematic thread is present in many of his paintings, such as Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses (1891) and Hylas and the Nymphs (1896). In The Magic Circle, the central female figure stands with complete control, casting a magic circle with a steady and determined gaze. Her posture and the intense focus on her actions reinforce her power and agency. She is not merely a passive subject; she is an active participant in the magical forces surrounding her.

“Miracles, magic, and the power of prophecy are common themes in Waterhouse’s art. More specifically, the notion of woman as enchantress recurs in images such as Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses and Hylas and the Nymphs.”

Exoticism and Mystery

The Magic Circle also reflects Waterhouse’s fascination with the exotic, an interest that marked much of Victorian art. The woman’s attire, as well as the otherworldly atmosphere of the painting, resonate with the era’s growing fascination with the mystical and the foreign. The ambiguous nature of the scene—its unclear narrative and mysterious symbolism—struck a chord with contemporary observers, who were drawn to the sense of intrigue and the unknown.

“This is one of Waterhouse’s earlier works and reflects his fascination with the exotic. The picture’s meaning is unclear, but its mystery and exoticism struck a chord with contemporary observers.”

Symbolism and Mysticism

The symbolism within the painting is rich and multifaceted. Surrounding the woman, the landscape is barren, with ravens and a frog visible outside the magical circle—symbols often associated with witchcraft and evil. These creatures exist outside the protective, mystical boundary created by the woman. Inside the circle, however, the environment is lush and filled with flowers, representing beauty, purity, and protection. The crescent-shaped sickle she holds links her to the moon and the goddess Hecate, further enhancing her association with witchcraft and the occult.

“Outside the circle, the landscape is bare and barren; a group of rooks or ravens and a frog – all symbols of evil associated with witchcraft – are excluded. But within its confines are flowers and the woman herself, objects of beauty.”

Description & Composition

Central Figure

The central figure of The Magic Circle is a lone woman, whose commanding presence dominates the canvas. She is depicted in the act of conjuring a magical circle, with her outstretched arm and wand. Waterhouse’s attention to detail in the woman’s pose and expression ensures that she remains the focal point of the composition, while the surrounding environment appears hazy and secondary.

“In a style typical of Waterhouse, the main character is a lone female figure placed centrally on the canvas.”

Hazy Landscape and Geometric Precision

The landscape surrounding the figure is vague and indistinct, enhancing the sense of mystery. This haziness suggests that the scene lies in a liminal space between the real and the supernatural. Additionally, Waterhouse employs geometric precision in his composition, balancing the circular magic circle with the triangular form created by the woman’s arm and wand. The careful placement of these elements creates a harmonious yet dynamic balance within the painting.

“Waterhouse paid careful attention to the angles employed in this work, balancing the circle the figure is drawing around herself by using a triangle – her straight arm, extended by the straight stick, held out at 25 degrees to her erect body.”

Theories & Interpretations

There are several theories regarding the meaning and inspiration behind The Magic Circle. One intriguing idea suggests that Waterhouse included a hidden image of his own face within the landscape, visible only from a specific distance. This concept is explored in the documentary Inside the Mystery of JW Waterhouse’s The Magic Circle.

Another interpretation ties the painting to the ancient Greek poet Theocritus’s Second Idyll, particularly the poem’s depiction of a sorceress attempting to summon her lover, Delphis. Some scholars suggest that the woman’s magic in The Magic Circle is an attempt to conjure Delphis, adding a layer of narrative depth to the otherwise enigmatic scene.

Contemporary Influence

The Magic Circle continues to resonate in popular culture, particularly in portrayals of witchcraft and the occult. Reproductions of the painting have appeared in contemporary TV series such as The New Worst Witch and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, cementing its place in modern depictions of magic and witchcraft. The mysterious and powerful imagery of the woman wielding supernatural power continues to captivate audiences, both scholarly and popular.

Conclusion

John William Waterhouse’s The Magic Circle remains a powerful and enigmatic work of art that showcases the artist’s fascination with magic, prophecy, and the mystique of femininity. With its lush symbolism, atmospheric composition, and the central figure of a woman casting a potent magic circle, the painting exemplifies many of the themes that defined Waterhouse’s oeuvre. As with many of his works, The Magic Circle invites viewers to delve deeper into its mysterious narrative and ponder the layers of meaning hidden beneath the surface.