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Learn MoreA Pompeian Lady in Blue by John William Godward
- This radiant painting embodies John William Godward's signature style
- Celebrated as a leading figure of the "Marble School," Godward was a master of classical beauty
- It depicts one of Godward's favorite models
- Today his works belong to famed collections worldwide, including the Getty
- Get complete item description here
$585,000
Item No.
32-2121
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Description
John William Godward
1861-1922 | British
A Pompeian Lady in Blue
Signed and dated lower right "J.W. Godward 1916"
Oil on canvas
This masterwork by John William Godward, A Pompeian Lady in Blue, 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. . .
1861-1922 | British
A Pompeian Lady in Blue
Signed and dated lower right "J.W. Godward 1916"
Oil on canvas
This masterwork by John William Godward, A Pompeian Lady in Blue, 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. . .
Read More
John William Godward
1861-1922 | British
A Pompeian Lady in Blue
Signed and dated lower right "J.W. Godward 1916"
Oil on canvas
This masterwork by John William Godward, A Pompeian Lady in Blue, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dated 1916
Canvas: 35 3/8” high x 17 1/4” wide (89.7 x 43.8 cm)
Framed: 42 5/8” high x 24 1/2” wide x 2 3/8” deep (108.3 x 62.2 x 5.9 cm)
Provenance:
Private Collection, New Jersey
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Literature:
Vern Grosvenor Swanson, John William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism, London, 1998, p. 151, plate 147, illustrated. Titled:A Pompeian Lady.
1861-1922 | British
A Pompeian Lady in Blue
Signed and dated lower right "J.W. Godward 1916"
Oil on canvas
This masterwork by John William Godward, A Pompeian Lady in Blue, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dated 1916
Canvas: 35 3/8” high x 17 1/4” wide (89.7 x 43.8 cm)
Framed: 42 5/8” high x 24 1/2” wide x 2 3/8” deep (108.3 x 62.2 x 5.9 cm)
Provenance:
Private Collection, New Jersey
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Literature:
Vern Grosvenor Swanson, John William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism, London, 1998, p. 151, plate 147, illustrated. Titled:A Pompeian Lady.
Read Less
Specifications
| Maker: | Godward, John William |
| Period: | 1816-1918 |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Paintings |
| Style: | Neoclassicism |
| Depth: | 2.33 in. (5.91 cm) |
| Width: | 24.5 in. (62.23 cm) |
| Height: | 42.63 in. (108.27 cm) |
| Canvas Width: | 17.250 in. (43.82 cm) |
| Canvas Height: | 35.325 in. (89.73 cm) |
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
