Far Away Thoughts 1892

John William Godward painted "Far Away Thoughts" using oil on canvas, an established method in the art world during his time. Look closely, and you will see Godward's technique involves layering and blending the oil paints to create smooth, almost porcelain-like skin tones. The texture of the hair and the drapery is achieved through visible brushstrokes, giving them a sense of volume and movement. This process, typical of academic painting, demands skill and time. The social context here reflects a longing for classical beauty in an industrial age. Godward's choice of medium, and the time-intensive techniques involved, signal a resistance to the rapid pace of modernization. The labor involved in creating this piece—from stretching the canvas to the final brushstroke—speaks to the value placed on artisanal skill. It’s a reminder that even within the fine arts, the act of making carries its own significance.