Hiii! So I actually researched this one day because I was also curious. 😭 Here's what I found!
John William Waterhouse, 1849-1917
Height: 88 cm (34.6 in); Width: 42 cm (16.5 in)
Location: Private collection
Danni Cavellero finds something intimate and sensuous in the young woman's bending to enjoy the fragrance of the roses here (180), but does the momentary enjoyment of the senses really detract from the aura of chastity, in the surroundings of a temple? Does it then suggest that there is no situation in which our natural responses to the physical world around us can be overridden by the spiritual life?
At any rate, it is a pleasing composition: the supple, delicately-featured and -robed subject contrasts with the flight of stone steps leading down to this pretty corner. The shelf with its curving ends and blue bowls of cut flowers is complemented by the roses growing nearby, at their own will, a little untidily, in the left-hand corner. Fallen petals tell of both growth and decay in the physical world.
Comments by Jacqueline Banerjee
https://victorianweb.org/painting/jww/paintings/shrine.html
Some other information I found via: https://www.artera.ae/artworks/4a17510e-2d48-4b32-99db-b4333f1b96fb
(Disclaimer: This is just the opinion and interpretation of the [or one of, in case there's multiple] curator of this [virtual?] museum, not official information about the painter's intent behind the painting.)
Editor: So, this is "The Shrine," painted in 1895 by John William Waterhouse. It's an oil painting that depicts a woman smelling flowers, bathed in soft light, and for me there’s a sense of serene stillness... almost dreamlike. What do you see in this piece, beyond the obvious?
Curator: Beyond, you say? Well, it feels as if the woman's caught in a private, fragrant world. It's like stepping into a memory, isn't it? Waterhouse had a knack for these suspended moments. Notice how the hard edges of the architecture contrast with the soft textures of her dress and the flowers. I think that’s an intentional, painterly contrast. It suggests she is poised between two worlds. It feels intimate but also theatrical. Does that resonate with you?
Editor: Definitely. The almost photographic realism in the steps, makes it feels more modern, or real... But the Pre-Raphaelite element gives it that old-time sensibility. I can definitely see a blending. Why do you think he mixed the realism of steps, versus other techniques used on other areas?
Curator: I think Waterhouse loved pushing the boundaries, while remaining respectful to past techniques and movements, as many successful artists do! What he has created here is to give this portrait weight within his own imagination, between worlds that would’ve previously been unseen together! Now I'm really curious; does it make you feel different, or is my analysis only an idea?
Editor: It does feel different now! It really makes me wonder what worlds, and the possibilities each one can hold. Thank you.
Curator: The pleasure was all mine! It’s these conversations that give new life to these older artworks.
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TLDR; This painting is named "The Shrine". It was painted by John William Waterhouse in 1895 and it's public domain.
Imo, it was probably used in Heathers just because it's in the public domain. From a character's perspective, however, I guess Veronica is into art. Wouldn't be surprising. Or maybe something about this one in particular resonated with her. Maybe she just liked it and that's it. Idk. But I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts! Fun fact! My url for a possible movie Veronica blog (that will probably never see the light of day) is named after this painting lol.
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