The artwork “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” by John William Godward was created in 1896 using oil on canvas. This piece belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and measures 81.2 by 45 centimeters. It is categorized as a genre painting and is currently held in a private collection.
This meticulously rendered artwork depicts a young woman standing against a marble balustrade in a serene garden setting. She is dressed in a flowing red and blue classical gown, a typical representation of Godward’s Neoclassical style, marked by its precise detail and idealized depiction of his subjects. The woman engages in the age-old pastime of pulling petals from a flower, symbolizing the contemplation of love. The lush greenery in the background contrasts with the subtle, muted tones of her pale skin and the elaborate patterns on her clothing, adding depth and serenity to the composition. The tranquil mood of the artwork, along with the subject’s contemplative expression, invites the viewer to ponder the romantic query that is as timeless as the classical setting in which she finds herself.
