This painting is Waterhouse’s interpretation of a scene from the 5th story on the 10th day in The Decameron written by Boccaccio in late 14th century Florence. The theme is “tales about deeds of munificence”
The Enchanted Garden was the last major painting by the artist, who was suffering from cancer at the time; it was created as a companion piece to his work A Tale from the Decameron
The story was set in Northeast Italy not far from the border with Austria and Slovenia, in the town of Udine with snowy and frosty winters
Ansaldo Cradense, a nobleman known for his bravery and courtesy, fell deeply in love with Madam Dianora, the beautiful wife of a rich man Gilberto. Ansaldo did everything he could to pursue her which only annoyed Dianora. To end his entreaties once and for all, she gave him an impossible task but promised to return his love should he be able to meet the challenge: She wanted Ansaldo to create a summer garden in the coming cold January, to be filled with verdant plants and flowers in blossom just like in the month of May
Ansaldo was determined to win Dianora’s heart and searched everywhere for whoever might lend him help. At last, He found a necromancer who would offer his service but only in return for a large sum of money
January arrived and Udine was covered in snow. But the sorcerer hired by Ansaldo turned a meadow near the town into a most luxuriant garden, abundant with trees, flowers and fruits of all species. Ansaldo was delighted and sent the best fruits and flowers from the garden to Dianora, and invited her to come witness the miracle which she had requested
Having heard about the marvelous garden, Dianora started to regret what she had promised. But she was curious to see the creation, so she went to visit with a few other ladies
Waterhouse’s painting depicts Dianora on the left dressed in pink, and Ansaldo wearing a red hat on the right; a few women are admiring the garden in disbelief. On the upper left, snow is falling outside
Dianora returned to her house and, feeling despaired, confessed to her husband about what had happened. Gilberto was furious at first, but soon understood the innocent intention of his wife, and said to her: What you did was unwise, but since you had made the promise, you must go to Ansaldo, but only give him your body and not your soul. Dianora cried and refused to obey, but Gilberto insisted
The next morning, accompanied by her attendants, Dianora went to see Ansaldo, who was surprised but overjoyed. He asked Dianora why she was at last willing to come to him, and she replied that it was not because of love nor the promise she had made, but because she was ordered to do so by her husband, who had more regard for the pain Ansaldo had suffered from his love for her than for Gilberto’s own dignity. She then told Ansaldo that he might do whatever to her as would please him
Ansaldo was touched by Gilberto’s munificence. He told Dianora to feel free to leave and convey his appreciation for her husband
The tale ended with Ansaldo becoming a close and loyal friend of Gilberto, and the former’s passion for Dianora turning into respectful admiration. Having seen the benevolence of both Gilberto and Ansaldo, the necromancer also declared that he would refuse to accept any payment for creating the enchanted garden