A Pompeian Lady In Blue By John William Godward | Louisiana 🇺🇸

A 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 PRICE: $585,000 Item No. 32-212 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 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. 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) ——— M.S. RAU (M.S. RAU ANTIQUES LLC) 622 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States, Louisiana Phone: +1 888 557-2406 Phone: +1 866-285-5605 (WA) Email: info@msrau.com CONTACT TEAM * Phillip Youngberg Email: phillip@rauantiques.com * James Gillis Email: jim@rauantiques.com