John William Godward, R.B.A.

Sotheby's Belgravia, 22 November 1983, lot 59, where bought by the present owner

Vern Grosvenor Swanson, Classical Realism Journal, vol.3, spring 1997, illustrated p.45;
Vern Grosvenor Swanson, John William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism, 1997, no.1911.6, illustrated pl.151.

STRUCTURE Original canvas. There is some very fine minor craquelure to a few areas, including the sky upper left, the woman's face, the trees upper right and the wall lower left, which are only visible upon very close inspection. There is some minor frame abrasion along the right and upper edges. Generally the work is in very good original condition. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT UV reveals an uneven varnish which makes the reading difficult to interpret but there are no apparent signs of retouching. FRAME Held in an ornate gilt plaster frame. Please telephone the department on 020 7293 5718 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Standing elegant and graceful, a beautiful young Roman maiden looks out to sea for the return of her lover.  Like Will he ne'er come back again? executed the same year, On the Balcony sensitively evokes an episode of the heart.

Godward draped the girl in luscious robes and set her against a marble balcony – favourite devices employed by Godward which demonstrate his superb and sensual rendering of different textures. Perhaps no more is this evident that in the cloth which falls lightly over her right foot, its diaphanous nature expertly realised. He also shades the girl's face with the fan she holds, which serves to soften the painting and is a technique employed in another exceptional oil from 1910, Noonday Rest.

The balance of colour in On the Balcony – the cool marble and the shimmering clothes in the bright sun – is characteristic of Godward's finest works. In discussing the present picture, Vern Swanson observes: 'The efflorescence of the orange dress is delicately contrasted against the steel purple of the stola, again announcing Godward's willing to push colour harmonies to the brink' (Vern Swanson, op. cit., p.92).

Gossamer Greek robes, archaic jewellery and a background of marble and a Mediterranean setting are elements that feature regularly in Godward's paintings and as in the present work, they compound the exotic sensuality and suggest links to those famous courtesans of the ancient world: Helen of Troy, Phyrne and Campaspe. On the Balcony is a serene evocation of this classical world, and in the beauty of the maiden, the sensitive rendering of textures and harmonious colouring, it exemplifies those qualities that make Godward's pictures so compelling and of enduring appeal.