The Peacock Fan by John William Godward

The decorative refinement and the nostalgia for an idealized classical past guide the composition of this vertical work of great plastic strength. Within the scene entitled “The Peacock Fan”, the innovative master John William Godward carries out a posture study of remarkable geometric balance within a chiseled Roman architecture. The painting manifests the painter’s desire to sacralize the female figure through the meticulous arrangement of colored surfaces and the beauty of ancient ornaments.

A young brunette woman is depicted standing in partial profile to the right, leaning with her left arm on a high white marble balustrade. She is dressed in a long, pleated deep magenta-purple stola, fitted at the waist by a wide mustard-orange belt whose ends fall vertically. With her left hand, she holds a large fan made of shimmering peacock feathers against her pensive cheek. The background marble wall is decorated with a sculpted bas-relief frieze depicting moving centaurs and horses. Above the low wall flourishes a large oleander bush laden with vibrant pink flowers under a clear sky.

The craftsman’s technical skill resplends in the miniaturized and faithful reproduction of the bas-relief and the eyespots of the peacock feather. His meticulous oil technique structures the space with precise lines and gives a silky texture of striking realism to the fabrics. This meticulous artisanal work demonstrates an uncommon technical virtuosity.