The Peacock Fan John William Godward (1861-1922)

Here we observe a vertical composition centered on a woman leaning against a sculpted wall. The setting appears to be outdoors, with lush vegetation and glimpses of a distant sea visible beyond the barrier she rests upon. Her posture is one of contemplative melancholy; her gaze directed downwards, her hand gently touching the elaborate fan held in her other hand.
The woman’s attire evokes classical antiquity, though the fabrics drape and color suggest a contemporary interpretation rather than strict historical accuracy. The deep crimson tones of her gown are contrasted by an ochre sash draped across her torso, adding visual interest and highlighting the fluidity of the garment. Her hair is styled in a manner that blends Victorian elegance with hints of Grecian simplicity.
The sculpted relief behind her introduces another layer of meaning. These figures, seemingly mythological in nature – perhaps depicting scenes of triumph or struggle – provide a backdrop to the woman’s introspection. The contrast between the static, enduring quality of the sculpture and the transient, emotional state of the figure before it is striking.
The peacock fan itself serves as a significant symbolic element. Peacocks have long been associated with vanity, beauty, and immortality in various cultures. Its presence here could suggest a preoccupation with appearances or perhaps a yearning for something beyond the immediate reality she inhabits. The way she holds it – not displayed ostentatiously but rather touched with a tenderness that borders on sadness – hints at a more complex understanding of its symbolism.
The overall effect is one of restrained drama and subtle psychological depth. The artist has created an atmosphere of quiet longing, inviting the viewer to ponder the woman’s inner world and the circumstances that have led her to this moment of solitary reflection. The palette, dominated by warm earth tones punctuated by vibrant floral hues, contributes to a sense of both opulence and underlying sadness.