Playtime (1891)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"Playtime" (1891) by John William Godward delights the viewer with a serene and playful scene set against a classical backdrop, inviting us into a tranquil, timeless moment. This exquisite painting portrays three figures draped in flowing robes that hint at ancient Roman fashion, engaging in a leisurely afternoon. A woman in a vibrant purple dress gracefully interacts with a kitten using a sprig, drawing attention to her delicate gesture and joyful demeanor.To her right, a man in a richly colored orange toga rests against a cool marble column, observing the playful scene with a mild, attentive expression. His posture and gaze add a layer of calm observance to the active engagement of the women. Behind him, another woman in a soft pink dress looks on with an amused expression, further enriching the scene with a sense of quiet companionship.The setting itself is lush and idyllic, featuring classical architecture adorned with verdant ivy and blooming flowers, underlining Godward's ability to capture beauty both in human form and in the natural elements that surround them. The distant sea and sky, barely visible past the sunlit columns and arches, suggest a perfect, almost dream-like day by the Mediterranean.
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John William Godward was an English painter from the end of the Neo-Classicist era. He was a protégé of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, but his style of painting fell out of favor with the rise of modern art.
Godward was born in 1861 and lived in Wilton Grove, Wimbledon. He was born to Sarah Eboral and John Godward (an investment clerk at the Law Life Assurance Society, London).