Godward The Signal Beautiful Woman Portrait Art Notebook

John William Godward (English, 1861 - 1922) The Signal, 1899, Oil on canvas 66 x 45.7 cm (26 x 18 in.) The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles Digital image courtesy of the Getty's Open Content Program. The woman's brightly coloured antique dress, not authentic but suggestive of antiquity, contrasts sharply with the smooth marble balustrade supporting her, whose open stonework was based on ancient models. While setting and costume allude to the ancient past, this painting's theme is timeless: waiting to hear from a loved one. The seascape in the background, the young woman's gesture, and her diaphanous gown, slightly rippling like a flag, all suggest an awaited signal from her beloved.