“By the Blue Ionian Sea” is a portrait by John William Godward, painted in 1916 using oil on canvas. This work, measuring 80 x 40.7 cm, belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and is currently held in a private collection. The artwork depicts a serene scene where a woman is seated against the backdrop of the sea and lush greenery.
In the artwork, the woman is adorned in a flowing red dress with a green sash, exuding a sense of tranquility and poise. She is seated on a classical marble bench, which is covered with a luxurious tiger pelt, emphasizing both elegance and comfort. The meticulously painted texture of the dress and the pelt showcase Godward’s exceptional attention to detail. In the background, the blue Ionian Sea stretches out to meet the sky, with rich greenery adding depth to the composition. The overall palette and composition reflect a peaceful moment frozen in time, embodying the refined and idealized aesthetics characteristic of Neoclassicism.
