Long Description: The Lady of Shalott Painting, by John William Waterhouse

The subject of this painting is the Lady of Shalott. She is a young woman alone sitting in a boat. Her long flowing hair seems to lightly blow in the breeze. Lips are red and slightly parted. Her facial expression is one of sadness. She is wearing a long white dress with a low slung black belt. On her head is a light green band.

She gazes out, her right hand loosely holds the chains mooring the boat to shore. The prow of the boat resembles a small alter with a crucifix next to three candles.

A tapestry is draped across the side of the boat with its edges dragging in the water. In the forground at the water's edge are reeds and autumn leaves. These forground features as well as the subject stand in sharp focus compared to the background of the scene, which appears much more shady and indistinct as the autumn trees and foliage take on a brushy quality.

Colors are rich and lush. The Lady is illuminated by golden natural light.