“Yes or No,” created by John William Godward in 1893, is a quintessential example of Neoclassicism. The artwork, an oil painting on canvas measuring 153 by 84.5 cm, belongs to the genre painting category. It is housed at the Hessisches Landesmuseum in Darmstadt, Germany.
The artwork depicts a classical scene with two figures—a young woman and a man—engaged in a contemplative and emotionally nuanced moment. The man leans over a marble parapet, reaching out for the woman’s hand, as she stands pensively, her head bowed in contemplation. The use of marble and detailed classical architectural elements are indicative of Neoclassicism, emphasizing a return to classical ideals of beauty and symmetry. The meticulous attention to clothing and textures, such as the woman’s flowing garment and the toga of the man, highlights the artist’s skill in rendering fabric and light. The background garden is lush with blooming plants and trees, adding depth and a sense of serenity to the scene. The positioning and expressions of the characters invite viewers to speculate about the narrative, making the painting both visually captivating and intellectually engaging.
