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The Tambourine Girl - John William Godward - Canvas Wall Art suits both traditional and modern interiors. As a portrait oil painting, it works as a standalone focal point or as part of a dining room gallery wall, and unlike a print it is genuinely hand painted in oils.
1906
Oil on canvas
In The Tambourine Girl, Godward depicts one of his favorite Italian models as a Neoclassical maiden, centrally set against a carved marble frieze. Godward’s extraordinary technical mastery is evident in the handling of the young woman’s diaphanous purple coa vestis stola (the female variation of the ancient Roman toga), and classically inspired tan palla (Roman shawl). The artist sensually contrasts these vivid gossamer fabrics with the expertly rendered three-dimensionality of the cool, white frieze, which in turn is ensconced within a wall built of blue-black veined marble. The finely sculpted piece of stone shows several male figures in celebration as they dance and play musical instruments. In a clever juxtaposition of foreground and background features, Godward intentionally relates the details of the frieze with the subject of the central figure.
Three years later, Godward would paint a similar scene in which a Greco-Roman beauty also stands in contrapposto before a marble wall (sold in these rooms, May 23, 1996, lot 134), but here the figures in the ensconced frieze are female and portrayed as graceful maidens as composed as the model herself. By making small, subtle changes to setting, prop, or costume, Godward created a series of alluring scenes that fully explored his distinct vision of classical beauty. Like other artists of the Victorian period such a Frederic, Lord Leighton, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, and Albert Moore, among others, Godward’s allegiance to Antique themes remained consistent throughout his career and became synonymous with an art of great aesthetic beauty and harmony.
Collectors often choose this figurative image when searching for portrait oil painting that feels substantial rather than decorative or disposable.
Expect subtle, hand-made variation rather than factory uniformity. Each figurative canvas is painted with oils, allowed to cure properly, and inspected before it is approved for shipment.
Wondering where portrait oil painting looks best? Try a dining room mantel, a dining room sideboard, or a hallway gallery wall. The figurative subject reads clearly from a distance and rewards close viewing up near.
Order The Tambourine Girl as a hand painted oil painting on canvas and add lasting classic character to your dining room. Custom sizes, a digital proof before dispatch, and secure worldwide shipping are included.
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 20 X 40 in | $148.48 |
| 24 X 48 in | $204.48 |
| 30 X 60 in | $307.48 |
| 36 X 72 in | $387.48 |
The sizes shown are the reproduction canvas sizes we paint to order. The dimensions given in a work's description refer to the original artwork and will differ from the sizes offered here. Not sure? Read the size guide or e-mail us.
Free on orders over $60; a flat $5 below that. Dispatched in 1–2 business days; 30 days to send it back. Full policy.
Every canvas is painted by hand in oils on artist-grade stretched canvas, with an extra blank border left for framing. How to care for your painting.
Measurements are on the size guide, or e-mail [email protected] and we reply within one business day.
