Godward Paintings

John William Godward brought the world of art some exciting paintings towards the end of the Pre-Raphaelite and Neo-Classicist periods of the late 19th century. Godward followed on from the teachings of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema but his work was considered to be somewhat out of date in style when more contemporary artists started to appear, spearheaded by Cubist Pablo Picasso. Picasso's genius and innovation led to other artists falling back in popularity, production and later even motivation. This was symbolised by Godward who famously committed suicide in order to escape a world with him and Picasso in it.

Dolce far Niente was one of Godward's finest paintings and that can be found in the collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber who holds a particular affection for artists of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

Godward himself led a troubled existence with family breakups and an eventual separation leading him to forge relationships with his models, which led him to move around Europe before coming back to Britain just before his death. Famous Godward paintings have included the likes of Nerissa, Athenais, Dolce Far Niente, By The Blue Ionian Sea, At The Garden Shrine, Pompeii, Classical Beauty, Contemplation and Girl In Yellow Drapery.