“Idleness” is an artwork created by John William Godward in 1900, rendered in oil on canvas. This work belongs to the Neoclassicism movement and falls within the genre of portraiture.
The artwork depicts a serene and contemplative scene, featuring a young woman seated on a marble bench, dressed in flowing classical attire. Her posture conveys an air of tranquility and leisure as she idly holds a peacock feather, engaging with a playful kitten at her feet. The background includes a calm seascape and blooming oleander flowers, emphasizing a serene and idyllic environment. The meticulous attention to detail and the harmonious composition exemplify the Neoclassical style, focusing on beauty, refinement, and classical antiquity ideals.
