The Favourites of the Emperor Honorius

John Williams Waterhouse - The Favourites of the Emperor Honorius (1883)

The Favourites of the Emperor Honorius is a 19th-century painting by the English artist John William Waterhouse. Completed in 1883, the artwork is renowned for its depiction of the Roman Emperor Honorius (384–423 AD), illustrating a moment of introspection or distraction as the empire faced significant threats. This painting is often analyzed within the context of Waterhouse's broader oeuvre, which frequently explored themes from ancient history and mythology through a Pre-Raphaelite influenced lens.

Description

The painting portrays Emperor Honorius, sitting on a throne, seemingly preoccupied with feeding birds, possibly chickens, rather than attending to the state affairs or the military defense of his empire. The setting is an interior space that suggests opulence but also a sense of isolation. The choice of this moment reflects a popular anecdote about Honorius, which may be apocryphal, suggesting his aloofness during a period when the Roman Empire was under siege, notably by the Visigoths who sacked Rome in 410 AD. Waterhouse's attention to detail, in both the emperor's attire and the architectural elements, contributes to the painting's historical ambiance, though the artist took creative liberties for aesthetic effect.

Themes and Analysis

The painting is rich in themes, including the contrast between power and vulnerability, the responsibilities of leadership, and the personal versus the public. Waterhouse's depiction of Honorius can be interpreted as a commentary on the decline of the Roman Empire, symbolizing how detachment from reality and failure to act decisively can lead to downfall. Furthermore, the artwork reflects Victorian interests in the moral and educational values of historical and mythological subjects, serving as a cautionary tale about leadership and the fate of civilizations.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its unveiling, The Favourites of the Emperor Honorius received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its technical execution and evocative themes, while others criticized it for historical inaccuracies and the perceived passivity of its subject. Over time, however, the painting has been reevaluated and is now appreciated for its artistic qualities and its place within Waterhouse's body of work. It is often discussed in studies of Waterhouse's paintings, contributing to the understanding of late 19th-century British art, especially in the context of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and its aftermath.

John William Waterhouse

John William Waterhouse (1849–1917) was an English painter known for his contributions to the Pre-Raphaelite movement. His works are characterized by their detailed depictions of female figures from mythology and literature, rendered with a romanticism that was both nostalgic and tinged with melancholy. Waterhouse's paintings are celebrated for their beauty, technical skill, and depth of emotional expression.

See Also

• Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
• Roman Empire
• History of painting
• Victorian era in art