Ladie Godiva

Corbould, who exhibited widely throughout his career, was appointed 'Instructor of Historical Painting' to the Royal Family in 1871, a post he held for 21 years. The myth of Lady Godiva enabled him to depict a female nude and a mystical inscription of her name, 'Godiva', written in runes, may be seen on the staircase.

Godiva lived in the 11th Century. She was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. As an avid patron of the arts, she hoped that if the local populace had increased wealth they would develop broader cultural interests. After interceding with her husband on behalf of the people of Coventry to lighten the burden of their taxes, he relented on the condition that she rode through the streets naked. Her husband held that the nude was considered by the ancient world to be one of the highest expressions of the perfection of nature, and contested that if she were true to her beliefs, Godiva would accept his challenge. She did, and earned a place in cultural history. Corbould depicts her descending the stair in trepidation; her waiting horse is visible below.

We are grateful to Dr. Christine Morris and Dr. Martine Cuypers for their help in preparing this catalogue entry.