Many artists over history have re-fashioned the myth of Echo and Narcissus. One of the most famous works of art that illustrates the myth is Echo and Narcissus painted by John William Waterhouse in 1903. Waterhouse is classified as a Neoclassical painter and has painted over 200 works, many in the genre of classical mythology. Waterhouse also painted many works that depicted historical or literary subjects. Similar to Ovid’s version of the myth, the painting depicts Narcissus lying in the grass, engrossed in his reflection in the river. Moreover, his facial expression suggests that he is confused about what he is seeing in the river; similarly, Ovid describes how Narcissus is initially dumbfounded by the existence and elusiveness of his reflection. In the painting, Echo is admiring Narcissus from a tree and is depicted with a body. On the other hand, Ovid describes Echo as only having a voice after she is rejected by Narcissus and he falls in love with his reflection.

     The key difference between the painting and Ovid’s original version of the story is the portrayal of Echo. In Ovid’s version of the story, she is portrayed as a victim of unrequited love; the readers’ sympathy lies with Echo as Ovid describes in detail her suffering and the shriveling of her body. On the other hand, Narcissus is portrayed as the perpetrator, and readers are distanced from him through the description of his obsession with himself and his treatment of Echo. Moreover, Ovid’s language in the original story does not portray Echo as a particularly seductive or luring character. In the painting, Echo is depicted wearing a pink dress with her left breast exposed, portraying her as a more seductive character than in the original story. Echo is portrayed as the femme fatale, a common theme in many of Waterhouse's paintings. The femme fatale is an attractive and seductive woman who ensnares a man and ultimately leads him to disaster when he becomes involved with her. Waterhouse’ painting suggests that Narcissus is the victim and Echo is the perpetrator of seduction. Furthermore, Waterhouse suggests a story where Narcissus’ downfall stems from his involvement with Echo rather than his own stupidity and vanity. This portrayal of Echo might suggest that Waterhouse was surrounded and influenced by many misogynistic ideas in his social environment while he was creating his art. On the other hand, although there was definitely plenty of misogyny during his time, Ovid is portrayed as a progressive thinker through his depiction of women in his story.