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The Curse of the Lady of Shalott

Three paintings based on a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson

The Lady of Shalott was painted by John William Waterhouse in 1888. It’s one of three paintings that the artist based on a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson – which tells the story of an unnamed woman who suffers from a curse.

Set in the times of the legendary King Arthur and the city of Camelot, the Lady is isolated alone in a tower. Forbidden to leave, she can only see the outside world through the reflection in a mirror.

The Lady longs for love and as she glimpses the handsome knight Lancelot in the mirror, her curse is fulfilled ...

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