the collector's folio

R.B.A John William Godward Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide R.B.A John William Godward · 1861 – 1922

The Sweet Siesta of a Summer Day

Experience the serene beauty of John William Godward's Neo-Classical masterpiece The Sweet Siesta of a Summer Day, featuring elegant women in a sunlit classical setting, available as a stunning hand-painted reproduction.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Athenais

1908 · original 101 x 61 cm

Discover John William Godward’s ‘Athenais’ – a stunning Neo-Classical oil painting of a nude beauty in red. Explore its classical themes, meticulous detail & timeless elegance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32761 × 101 cm Commission at original size

The Time of Roses

1916

A serene Neo-Classical vision of a woman in classical robes admiring a flower, this 1916 oil painting by John William Godward captures timeless elegance and invites you to bring this masterpiece into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

The Delphic Oracle

Admire 'The Delphic Oracle' by John William Godward – a stunning Neo-Classical masterpiece! Explore this captivating painting of a nude figure in serene beauty, perfect for art lovers & collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17522 × 46 cm Commission this artwork

Reverie

1912

A serene Neoclassical masterpiece featuring a woman lost in thought, this 1912 oil painting by John William Godward captures timeless elegance and classical beauty, perfect for your private art collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

In the Tepidarium

1913

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17522 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

Ionian Dancing Girl

A graceful young woman performs a traditional dance in this vibrant Neoclassical masterpiece by John William Godward, capturing the timeless elegance of the Victorian era and inviting you to bring classical beauty home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Idle moments

1895

A serene vision of a red-haired woman resting peacefully in this exquisite Victorian Neo-Classical painting by John William Godward that invites you to bring timeless elegance into your home collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17531 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

A Tryst

1912 · original 128 x 79 cm

A serene Neo-Classical scene featuring a woman in classical robes by master John William Godward captures an idyllic moment of quiet beauty that you can bring home through our exquisite oil reproductions.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17525 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$44279 × 128 cm Commission at original size

In the Tepidarium

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17522 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

Far Away Thoughts a

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17531 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

A Favourite Poet

1920 · Wigan Arts And Heritage Service, Wigan · original 58 x 78 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27978 × 58 cm Commission at original size

Classical Beauty cropped

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Belvedere

Admire John William Godward’s ‘The Belvedere,’ a stunning 1913 oil painting of a woman in classical dress. Explore Neo-Classical beauty & exquisite detail. Hand-painted reproductions available.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

A Classical Beauty Collection of Fred and Sherry Ross

Experience the timeless beauty of 'A Classical Beauty Collection.' A stunning portrait by John William Godward, rendered in exquisite detail. Hand-painted reproductions available.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

A Congenial Task

Admire John William Godward’s ‘A Congenial Task,’ a stunning Pre-Raphaelite oil painting of a woman braiding her hair. Explore classical beauty, rich detail & serene elegance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Ethel

1898 · Russell, Bournemouth

Discover 'Ethel' by r.b.a John William Godward (1898). This captivating portrait blends realism & impressionism, showcasing a serene woman in soft light. A beautiful example of late 19th-century art.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Nerissa

Exquisite oil painting by John William Godward – ‘Nerissa’ showcases classical beauty & meticulous detail. A Victorian Neo-Classical masterpiece in private collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 44 cm Commission this artwork

Far Away Thoughts

1892

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Idle Hours

1901

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Study for Flabellifera

Discover 'Study for Flabellifera' by John William Godward – a stunning Neo-Classical oil painting of a woman in classical dress. Admire its detail & romantic beauty.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Head of a Girl, Atalanta

1902

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17530 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Far Away Thoughts

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17531 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

The Rendezvous

Discover 'The Rendezvous' by r.b.a John William Godward – a stunning Neo-Classical oil painting of a woman in Roman attire. Explore its elegance, serene beauty & meticulous detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

In Realms of Fancy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

R.B.A John William Godward

1861 – 1922

Quick facts

Mediumsoil on canvas
Emotional tonecalm
Museums on APSManchester Art Gallery, Russell, Wigan Arts And Heritage Service, Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery
Best occasionsrelaxation, luxury
Copyright statusPublic domain
Born1861
Top 3 worksThe Sweet Siesta of a Summer Day, Athenais, The Time of Roses
Room fitliving room

Biography

John William Godward: A Victorian Neo-Classical Master

Early Life and Background

Born: August 9, 1861, Wimbledon, England.
Died: December 13, 1922, London, England.
John William Godward was the eldest of five children born to John Godward, an investment clerk, and Sarah Eboral.
His early life was marked by a reclusive nature, largely attributed to his parents’ overbearing personalities. This introversion profoundly influenced his artistic sensibilities.

Artistic Development and Influences

Early Training: Godward received formal art training, though specific details remain scarce due to the destruction of his personal papers.
Key Influences: He was heavily influenced by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema and Frederic Leighton, both prominent figures in Victorian Neo-Classicism.
Like Alma-Tadema, Godward demonstrated a meticulous attention to detail in rendering classical architecture and textures. However, he developed his own distinct style characterized by vibrant colors and idealized depictions of beauty.

Career and Major Works

Royal Academy Exhibitions: Godward first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1887, marking the beginning of his public recognition.
Notable Paintings:

Dolce far Niente (1904): Perhaps his most famous work, purchased by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1995.
When the Heart is Young (1902): Exemplifies Godward’s ability to capture youthful innocence and beauty.
The Mirror (1899): Showcases his skill in contrasting textures and creating a sense of depth.
In the Tepidarium (1913): A semi-nude figure demonstrating his versatility within the Neo-Classical genre.
Athenais: A stunning example of his idealized female figures in classical settings.

Move to Italy: In 1912, Godward moved to Rome with one of his models, a decision that led to estrangement from his family.

Style and Themes

Neo-Classical Style: Godward’s work is characterized by its adherence to classical forms, themes, and aesthetics.
Recurring Motifs: He frequently depicted beautiful women in classical attire, often engaged in moments of repose or contemplation.
Technical Mastery: Godward was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, particularly in rendering textures such as marble, fur, and fabrics. His use of vibrant colors further distinguished his style.
He is often described as a ‘High Victorian Dreamer’ due to the idealized and romanticized nature of his paintings.

Tragic End and Legacy

Death: Godward tragically took his own life in 1922 at the age of 61.
Family Reaction: His family, ashamed of his suicide, destroyed his papers and attempted to erase his memory.
Historical Significance: Despite the attempts to suppress his legacy, Godward’s work has experienced a resurgence in popularity. He remains a significant figure in Victorian Neo-Classicism, celebrated for his technical skill, idealized beauty, and evocative depictions of classical themes.

Questions & Answers

How many artworks by R.B.A John William Godward are available to browse?

You can browse 277 artworks by R.B.A John William Godward on the All Artworks page.

How is R.B.A John William Godward's career divided into periods?

R.B.A John William Godward's career unfolds period by period on the artist's Chronicle page: a horizontal timeline of the artworks, grouped into career-period chapters.

In which historical period did R.B.A John William Godward work?

R.B.A John William Godward worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

Collector's quiz

John William Godward's artistic style is most closely associated with which movement?
Which artist significantly influenced Godward's work, sharing a similar penchant for classical architecture?
Godward's life ended tragically. How did he die?
What is a recurring theme in many of Godward's paintings?
Following his death, what happened to Godward's personal papers?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your R.B.A John William Godward

Every artwork by R.B.A John William Godward in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by R.B.A John William Godward