John William Godward (British, 1861-1922)

Ionian Dancing Girl

Details

John William Godward (British, 1861-1922)
Ionian Dancing Girl
signed and dated lower right, "J.W. Godward 1902"
oil on canvas
54 x 33in. (137.1 x 83.8cm.)

Provenance

With Thomas McLean, London (by April 18, 1902)
With Nathan Mitchell, London
With Cooling Gallery (1950)
With Leger Galleries, London (1972)
Private collection, Japan

Literature

Letter from McLean to Godward, dated April 18, 1902
V.G. Swanson, John William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism, New York, 1997, p. 206, no. 47 (illustrated)

Exhibited

London, New Gallery, 16th Summer Exhibition, 1902, no.250

Lot Essay

Ionian Dancing Girl relates to With Violets Wreathed and Robe of Saffron Hue, also from 1902 and one of Godward's submissions to that year's Autumn Exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. Ionian Dancing Girl was praised at it's exhibition at the New Gallery in the same year, and Dr. Vern G. Swanson has commented that this picture maybe viewed as one of Godward's "quintessential canvases," for it highlights all of the pictorial elements for which he is regarded -- marble and floral elements, drapery, flesh, and the Mediterranean landscape.