The Favourite 1901

John William Godward, that master of marble-smooth surfaces, created "The Favourite," and it's as poised as a perfectly lit stage. Look at the deep folds of her dress, almost glowing red against the cool stone bench. What was Godward thinking as he painted those flowing lines? Was he as absorbed in the rhythm of the brush as the woman is in the game with her cat? It’s all about the gentle curve of her arm, echoing the cat’s arched back – a quiet, tender connection. The light feels like it’s been filtered through layers of silk. It's soft, not harsh, which makes you wanna sink right into that moment. Godward’s precision always gets me, but it’s not just about being accurate, it’s about creating an entire world, one brushstroke at a time. It's like he is saying, “Come closer, see the beauty in this stillness, and let’s get lost in it, together.”