A Classical Beauty in Profile

This painting can be dated to circa 1888 when Godward was living at 7 Wilton Road, Wimbledon, Surrey. Although there is no specific recorded title for this work it is similar to other works from this period such as Poppaea (1887), Flo (1888), Threissa (1888), Callirhoe (1889) and Meditation (1889). It most closely relates to The Engagement Ring (1888) which features a similar pose, dress and composition and was Godward's first known painting to be placed with a sale gallery of note. The Engagement Ring was also one of the ten oils purchased or exhibited by Arthur Tooth before the artist finally settled on Thomas Maclean as his dealer. The brass snake armlet is present in both The Engagement Ring and The Pet Bullfinch (1890).

We are grateful to Dr. Vern Swanson of the Springfield Museum of Art, Utah for his assistance in the preparation of this catalogue entry.