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Historical Artist - John William Godward (1861 - 1922)
Although little is known about the life of John William Godward, it is evident that he was
inspired by the neoclassical painter, Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema. He was known for his depiction
of ancient Greek and Roman life. Because of his favored subject matter, he was placed into the
“Marble School” which was known for its interest in antiquities. Godward was a
regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy in London. However, as the neoclassical style fell out of
popularity, so did Godward’s work. Nonetheless, Godward continued to paint in the style
until his death in 1922. He was a protégé of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema but his
style of painting fell out of favour with the arrival of painters like Picasso. He committed
suicide at the age of 61 and is said to have written in his suicide note that "the world
was not big enough" for him and a Picasso. His already estranged family, who had
disapproved of him becoming an artist, were ashamed of his suicide and burned his papers. No
photographs of Godward are known to survive.
Contemporary United Kingdom Artists
Art Galleries in the United Kingdom
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