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The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse
Image: Wikimedia Commons, public domain (file)

Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian

The Lady of Shalott

by John William Waterhouse, 1888

Tate Britain, London

Artist
John William Waterhouse
Date
1888
Medium
Oil on canvas
Size
183 × 230 cm (72.0 × 90.6 in)
Period
Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian

What you are looking at

A young woman in white sits in a boat with a tapestry, candles and a lantern, drifting down a river toward Camelot.

Why it is famous

It illustrates Tennyson's poem: the Lady, cursed to see the world only in a mirror, looks out at Sir Lancelot and leaves her tower, knowing it will cost her life.

How big is The Lady of Shalott?

The Lady of Shalott measures 183 × 230 cm (72.0 × 90.6 in), without its frame. Its surface is about 10 times the area of the Mona Lisa.

1.7 mThe Lady of ShalottMona Lisa
Drawn to scale next to a person 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in) tall, with the bottom of each painting at floor level. Frames are not included.

Compare it with other paintings

Where to see it

It is at Tate Britain in London.

Tate BritainLondon, United Kingdom
Museum website

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Also at the Tate Britain

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Lady of Shalott?

John William Waterhouse painted The Lady of Shalott in 1888.

Where is The Lady of Shalott?

The Lady of Shalott is in the Tate Britain, London, United Kingdom.

How big is The Lady of Shalott?

183 × 230 cm (72.0 × 90.6 in). Its surface is about 10 times the area of the Mona Lisa.

What is The Lady of Shalott made with?

Oil on canvas.

Sources: Wikipedia, "The Lady of Shalott (painting)"; Wikidata Q2091538; Wikipedia, "The Lady of Shalott". Checked October 17, 2026. How we check.

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