The Old Old Story John William Godward (1861-1922)

Here we observe a scene unfolding within what appears to be a classical setting, likely inspired by Greco-Roman mythology or literature. A young woman reclines on a cushioned seat draped with luxurious fabrics, her posture suggesting languor and repose. She is adorned in a vibrant red garment that clings to her form, contrasting sharply with the pale marble of the surrounding architecture. Her eyes are closed, and her head rests gently against what seems to be a leopard or similar feline creature, which itself is positioned on the seat alongside her.
A young man sits opposite her, his hand extended towards her head as if in an act of gentle touch or caress. His attire is simpler than hers, suggesting perhaps a different social standing or role within the narrative. A large cat, also resembling a leopard, lies at his feet, adding to the overall sense of exoticism and controlled wildness.
The backdrop reveals a landscape bathed in warm sunlight. Distant mountains rise above a body of water, creating a sense of depth and expansiveness. Olive trees and scattered roses contribute to an atmosphere of idyllic beauty and abundance. The meticulous rendering of foliage and stone suggests a deliberate attempt at realism within a romanticized context.
Subtleties within the composition hint at deeper meanings. The presence of the wild animals – the leopard on which the woman rests and the one at the man’s feet – could symbolize untamed passions, primal instincts, or perhaps even danger lurking beneath a veneer of tranquility. The womans closed eyes suggest vulnerability and surrender, while the man’s gesture implies either protection, dominance, or a more complex interplay of power dynamics.
The roses scattered around the base of the marble structure introduce an element of romance and fleeting beauty, potentially alluding to themes of love, loss, or the ephemeral nature of pleasure. The overall impression is one of a narrative frozen in time – a moment of intimacy, perhaps fraught with unspoken tensions or foreshadowing future events. The scene evokes a sense of timelessness, suggesting that it represents an archetypal story about human relationships and their connection to the natural world.