Marcella 1912

John William Godward made "Marcella" with oil paint, though we don't know exactly when. What strikes me is the smooth, porcelain-like finish, where the brushstrokes are almost invisible. It’s a world away from the messy, tactile approach I love in my own work! The figure, with her classical drapery and elegant profile, seems to float against the swirly, marbled background. Look closely at the way Godward renders the folds of her dress – the subtle gradations of pink and the way light catches the fabric. This is technical virtuosity at its finest, and the artist's skill is so great it is hard to see the skill. Godward was part of a movement that looked back to ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration. This image reminds me a bit of Alma-Tadema's work. But while these artists were celebrated in their time, tastes changed, and their paintings fell out of favor. Now, though, there's a renewed appreciation for their incredible craftsmanship. Art history is an ever-evolving conversation.