Collection: John William Godward

John William Godward (1861-1922) was an English Neo-Classical painter known for his beautiful depictions of idealized women in classical settings. Born in Surrey, Godward was largely self-taught, with his earliest works being exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1887. His style was heavily influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, with whom he was closely associated, and he shared their interest in the classical world, often depicting ancient ruins and scenes of classical mythology in his works. Godward is best known for his portraits of elegant women in flowing robes, depicted in an almost photographic realism. He was a prolific artist, producing over 400 works during his career, and his paintings were popular with collectors in both Britain and America. However, by the early 20th century, his work fell out of fashion, and he struggled to sell his paintings. In 1922, feeling increasingly despondent, he tragically committed suicide.