“Drusilla,” painted by John William Godward in 1906, is an exquisite example of Neoclassicism rendered in oil on canvas. This portrait, measuring 133.5 x 82.5 cm, belongs to a private collection.
The artwork depicts a young woman standing against a marble-patterned backdrop. She is attired in a softly draped, translucent gown of a rich, warm hue, adorned with a deep purple sash around her waist. The subject’s hair is styled elegantly, crowned with a delicate garland. Her expression exudes a calm, gentle demeanor, while her posture is relaxed yet graceful, with one hand resting on her waist and the other holding a tambourine by her side. The necklace she wears adds a touch of elegance, complementing her refined, classical appearance. The intricate detailing of the marble and the lifelike textures of her attire and accessories showcase Godward’s mastery in capturing both the realism and the idealized beauty characteristic of the Neoclassical art movement.
