The Water Lily

Reuben Thomas William Sayers 1815 - 1888

Summary

A nude figure of a water nymph standing in a river, swathed with weeds. She has both arms raised above her head, holding aloft a water lily in her left hand, her head resting to one side looking up at the flower. More flowering lilies float on the water behind her to left, with sunlight (or moonlight) catching the water in the background.

Display Label

The Water Lily 1850 Rueben Sayers 1815-1888 Oil on canvas The figure in this painting is a Naiad. In classical mythology the Naiades are female deities who live in rivers, springs and wells. In ancient times they were offered animal sacrifices and gifts of honey, wine and oil. They are usually depicted as beautiful young virgins. This work is an unusual departure for Sayers, who was mainly a portrait artist. In subject and style it is very close to William Etty, the period's leading painter of the classical nude. First shown at the Royal Manchester Institution, The Water Lily was given to its collection by Sayers. The contemporary press considered it his best work. Transferred from the Royal Manchester Institution 1882.24