Rich Gifts Wax Poor When Lovers Prove Unkind 1916

John William Godward, a painter active at the height of the Victorian era, created this oil on canvas of a woman in classical dress, titled 'Rich Gifts Wax Poor When Lovers Prove Unkind'. Godward's paintings often depicted women in states of leisure, clad in garments that mimic ancient Greek and Roman styles. It's interesting to consider the material nature of these works, as they offer an insight into the social and economic context of the time. The detailed rendering of fabrics, like the woman's ochre dress and purple sash, speaks to the era's fascination with textiles. These were produced in factories, a world away from the romanticized classical settings in his paintings. Godward's skillful technique also highlights the value placed on artistic labor. The smooth finish and naturalistic details required hours of meticulous work. By focusing on the material aspects of Godward's work, we can see how it reflects not just aesthetic preferences, but also the complex relationship between art, labor, and consumption in Victorian society.