The Soul of the Rose

The Soul of the Rose tapestry shows the work of artist John William Waterhouse (1849-1917). Waterhouse was an English painter in Pre-Raphaelite style, who specialised in the theme of art inspired by poetry and literature. Here in this tapestry we see the depiction of the poem by Alfred Lloyd Tennyson “There is a garden in her face, Where roses and lilies grow; A heavenly paradise is that place, Wherein all pleasant fruits do flow”. Tennyson produced many works and short lyrics inspired by mythological and classical themes. Here we see a beautiful woman enjoying the pleasures of the smells from the roses from her garden in a state of ecstacy. The colors in this work are beautiful with warm tones such as her auburn hair and pink peach roses, balanced by her blue peacock dress which flows with delicate beauty. This scene is representative of the beauty and pleasures of nature. The Soul of the Rose tapestry is unlined and has a tunnel for easy hanging.