The Time Of Roses 1916

Editor: "The Time of Roses" painted in 1916 by John William Godward is quite lovely. The soft colors and round composition give it a dreamy feel, almost as if it's a scene from a myth. How do you interpret the imagery here? Curator: The rose, above all, immediately strikes me. Its association with Venus and notions of love, beauty and ephemeral nature speaks volumes here. Consider how roses, particularly in Victorian times, held layered meanings – red signifying passion, yellow for friendship, and white for purity or secrets. What does it suggest that the woman is studying a white rose? Editor: Hmm, perhaps a loss of innocence, or maybe a secret admiration? There is an awareness to her that might make her guarded. Curator: Exactly! Note also the leopard skin, and the marble—aren’t they classical symbols of wealth and sensuality, connecting the sitter to traditions of goddesses, royalty and fertility? This work reminds me of classical forms of romanticism—but with an intense awareness. Editor: I hadn't considered how the animal skin adds to that, especially given her direct attention to it. But where do we see any anxiety about mortality or fate? Curator: Isn't it present, subtly, in the contrast? The opulence against her quiet reflection. A fleeting beauty observed directly, rather than an active seduction of an ideal beauty? Her gentle study implies contemplation. What is she seeing that makes her hesitate to enjoy such splendor? Editor: That makes sense, there is a quiet tension, not a burst of emotion. Thank you. I learned a lot about interpreting symbols! Curator: The pleasure was all mine; art like this can teach us so much about our shared cultural memory.