The artwork titled “A Stitch in Time (Idle Thoughts)” was created by John William Godward in 1898. This painting, rendered in oil on canvas, belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and measures 46 by 30.5 centimeters. It is classified as a genre painting and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a young woman standing in a serene interior, leaning against a marble wall with a contemplative expression. She is clothed in a classical garment, likely inspired by ancient Roman attire, rendered in warm, rich tones which contrast with the cooler and more muted colors of the background. At her feet lies a small, decorative box on a wooden stool, adding to the domestic tranquility of the scene. The background features a glimpse of an outdoor setting through an opening, with what appears to be a railing overlooking a body of water and some foliage, subtly integrating the natural world into the peaceful indoor environment. The woman’s idle pose and the detailed depiction of her surroundings evoke a sense of timeless reflection and quiet introspection.