{"title":"John William Godward Portraits","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJohn William Godward Portraits\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eJohn William Godward created portraits that marry idealized beauty with the measured refinement of the classical revival. This collection gathers portraits by Godward that showcase his attention to marble, drapery, profile and the serene stillness that defines his best-known compositions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors drawn to late nineteenth-century classicism will find in these works a vivid expression of taste, craftsmanship and atmosphere. Explore portraits that reveal why Godward remains a touchstone for admirers of elegant figurative painting.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"a-pompeian-lady-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Pompeian Lady by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated \"J.W. Godward 1904\" (lower right, partially covered by frame)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e One of the last and greatest Victorian neoclassical painters, John William Godward is celebrated for his flawlessly executed images of graceful women posed in idealized ancient settings. In this work, entitled \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e, a classical beauty is caught idling in a moment of quiet, solitary reflection. Godward's elegant subjects are depicted with a degree of technical mastery that remains unsurpassed, and the work's dramatic palette, luxurious fabrics and classical vision are all characteristics of his unique take on the neoclassical style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Godward was unmatched in terms of his technical skill and attention to detail. A master of contrasting textures, he paints a diaphanous gown draping against the model’s smooth, milky white skin, which sits against the painstakingly rendered individual hairs of a tiger’s pelt. Scintillating color permeates the canvas as well, energizing the otherwise static scene. Each element is given careful attention, and the overall effect is one of both immaculate technique and sensual tactility. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Along with his contemporary and mentor, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Godward set the tone for the Victorian neoclassicist movement. He built his career upon creating images of idealized feminine beauty infused with a Greco-Roman-inspired style. Though greatly influenced by Alma-Tadema, Godward distinguished himself through his predilection for the solitary female figure. His fame rose dramatically in the first few years of the 20th century, when the present work was completed, due to the burgeoning strength of the British Empire and the Victorian society’s preoccupation with ancient Rome. To many of the newly affluent, Roman society was, as Iain Gale writes, “a flawless mirror of their own immaculate world.” The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive antique backdrops, was a direct reflection of this pervasive view. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887 at the age of only 26. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly adopted, if not rivaled, their style. He envisioned similar scenes of the ancient world, seamlessly blending antiquity and beauty in breathtaking compositions and attracting fans across Europe. In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists, and, ten years later, Godward debuted at the Paris Salon, where again he was heaped with critical praise. However, the 20th century brought rapid artistic change, and he was faced with the painful reality that the classical world he loved was being overshadowed by modern art movements. His devotion to the classics never waned, and he moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, where he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1904 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 25“ diameter (63.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 45 3\/4” high x 44 3\/8” wide (116.21 x 112.71 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_31-3739.pdf%20target=\" new\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Dossier\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This painting was exhibited at The European Fine Art Fair. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Thomas McLean, art dealer, London, 1904\u003cbr\u003e Purchased by Sir Alfred Bird, Tudor Grange Solihull\u003cbr\u003e Cooling Galleries, London and Toronto, Canada\u003cbr\u003e The collection of Maurice and Louella Brown, Toronto and Calgary, Canada\u003cbr\u003e By descent to Keith C. Brown and L. Joan Brown, Calgary, Alberta, 1982\u003cbr\u003e Hodgin’s Art Auctions, Calgary\u003cbr\u003e Fred and Sherry Ross, New Vernon, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e Sotheby’s, New York\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e J.W. Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism, 2018, Vern Swanson, page 290, no.12 (illustrated) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Thomas McLean Gallery, London, 1904","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44050790613127,"sku":"31-3739","price":1250000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3739_1_96367abf-d12d-4f22-9c18-fc2d4b326df3.png?v=1774967315"},{"product_id":"a-flower-seller-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Flower Seller by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Flower Seller\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated lower right \"J.W. Godward 96\"\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This stunning painting by John William Godward is a monumental masterpiece of the artist's oeuvre. Celebrated as one of the most important Neoclassical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a style of Classicism known as the \"Marble School,\" which rendered Greco-Roman beauties in their exquisite architectural settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A large-scale masterwork, \u003cem\u003eA Flower Seller\u003c\/em\u003e was exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy in 1896, the most important venue for artists of the 19th century, where only the best works were shown. Here, the flower seller boldly engages the viewer with her mesmerizing gaze, and her rosy cheeks and glowing skin exude an ethereal beauty. Godward displays his extraordinary talent for rendering every surface with incredible realism, immersing his viewers in the allure of this bygone era. Of Godward's compelling oeuvre, esteemed art historian Vern Grosvenor Swanson wrote, “He sought to portray peace, feminine charm and ideal perfection by marvelously painted and composed classical pictures of beautiful women in halcyon marble environments.”  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raised in Wimbledon, England, Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887. By the subsequent decade, the burgeoning artist was on a steady ascent to artistic success. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly rivaled their style. The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive backdrops, attracted fans across Europe and sent Godward on a rapid ascent to artistic stardom. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists. Ten years later, Godward debuted at the Parisian Salon of 1899, where again he was heaped with praise. He moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, and there he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. Today, his works belong to prestigious collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1896 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 47 1\/2” high x 35 1\/2” wide (120.65 x 90.17 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 55 1\/2” high x 43 1\/2” wide x 7 3\/4” deep (140.97 x 110.49 x 12.07 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Messrs. Thomas McClean, London, May 2, 1896\u003cbr\u003e Private collection\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e H.G. Blackburn, Academy Notes, 1896\u003cbr\u003e Vern Grosvenor Swanson, \u003cem\u003eJohn William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1998, p. 194, no. 5, illustrated \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Royal Academy of Art, Summer Exhibition, London, 1896, no. 597","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43803065876615,"sku":"32-2119","price":885000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2119_1_0aaae865-66ad-490b-ae67-d6aea1dd0f69.png?v=1770139471"},{"product_id":"a-classical-beauty-in-profile-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Classical Beauty in Profile by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Classical Beauty in Profile\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"J.W. Godward\" (center right)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An extraordinary portrait by John William Godward, \u003cem\u003eA Classical Beauty in Profile\u003c\/em\u003e embodies his renowned style. Celebrated as one of the most important Neoclassical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a style of Classicism known as the \"Marble School,\" which rendered Greco-Roman beauties in their exquisite architectural settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Draped in a golden tunic, Godward's signature beauty is caught in a moment of quiet reverie. His exceptional talent for color and texture is on full display, with each element of the composition rendered with a supreme, naturalistic finish. This work also centers one of Godward's favorite models, an Italian beauty who also posed for a similar portrait the same year, entitled \u003cem\u003eThe Engagement Ring.\u003c\/em\u003e Embodying the essence of \"peace, feminine charm and ideal perfection\" that art historian Vern Grosvenor Swanson identified in Godward's best works, this painting is a masterpiece. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raised in Wimbledon, England, Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887. By the subsequent decade, the burgeoning artist was on a steady ascent to artistic success. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly rivaled their style. The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive backdrops, attracted fans across Europe and sent Godward on a rapid ascent to artistic stardom. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists. Ten years later, Godward debuted at the Parisian Salon of 1899, where again he was heaped with praise. He moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, and there he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. Today, his works belong to prestigious collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1888 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 24 3\/8” high x 19 3\/8” wide (61.79 x 49.09 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 37” high x 32” wide x 4 1\/4” deep (93.98 x 81.28 x 10.80 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, United States\u003cbr\u003e Anonymous sale, Christie's New York, 22 October 1997, lot 72\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, acquired at the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New York\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Vern Grosvenor Swanson, \u003cem\u003eJohn William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1997, p. 173, no. 1 (illustrated)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44315758428295,"sku":"32-2120","price":248500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2120_1.png?v=1780145817"},{"product_id":"a-pompeian-lady-in-blue-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Pompeian Lady in Blue by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady in Blue\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated lower right \"J.W. Godward 1916\"\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This masterwork by John William Godward, \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady in Blue\u003c\/em\u003e, evokes the romantic splendor of the Classical world. Celebrated as one of the most important Neoclassical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a style of Classicism known as the \"Marble School,\" which rendered Greco-Roman beauties in their exquisite architectural settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Draped in a brilliant tunic of gold and blue, Godward's signature beauty gazes boldly out at the viewer, inviting them in by pulling back a luxurious curtain. His exceptional talent for jewel-like color and texture is on full display, with each element of the composition rendered with a supreme, naturalistic finish. Godward renders an extraordinary array of marbles and hardstones throughout, with the delightful detail of an agate oculus window shining above the figure's head. Embodying the essence of \"peace, feminine charm and ideal perfection\" that art historian Vern Grosvenor Swanson identified in Godward's best works, this painting is a captivating treasure. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raised in Wimbledon, England, Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887. By the subsequent decade, the burgeoning artist was on a steady ascent to artistic success. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly rivaled their style. The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive backdrops, attracted fans across Europe and sent Godward on a rapid ascent to artistic stardom. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists. Ten years later, Godward debuted at the Parisian Salon of 1899, where again he was heaped with praise. He moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, and there he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. Today, his works belong to prestigious collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1916 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 35 3\/8” high x 17 1\/4” wide (89.7 x 43.8 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Framed: 42 5\/8” high x 24 1\/2” wide x 2 3\/8” deep (108.3 x 62.2 x 5.9 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Vern Grosvenor Swanson, \u003cem\u003eJohn William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1998, p. 151, plate 147, illustrated. Titled:\u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44417983152263,"sku":"32-2121","price":585000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2121_1_9e88f4bc-d1e8-433d-9f99-b00b5e020412.png?v=1775503340"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/john-william-godward-portraits.oembed","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}