A classical beauty is captured in a moment of idle reflection in this stunning oil on canvas by John William Godward. Celebrated as one of the most important classical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a segment of Classicism known as the Marble School, with Greco-Roman subjects placed within elaborate architectural settings. His elegant subkects are depicted with a degree of technical mastery that remains unsurpassed.
The present work, entitled Idle Moments, embodies Godward's lifelong preoccupation with depicting beautiful young women in classically-inspired dress. His unique process gives Godward's maidens their signature gossamer, flowing robes; after first painting his subjects nude, he would then apply delicate coats of paint to form the semi-transparent robes. Godward's work is most celebrated for its implicit sensuality and masterful, naturalistic detail.
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 fell 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. The sensuality and mystery of Godward's maidens, combined with his impressive antique 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. In the early years of the 20th century, however, Godward was faced with the painful reality that the classical world he so loved was being overshadowed by modern art movements. 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.