Recently discovered, Cynthia was painted at the height of Godward's career when he had established his métier: tableaux of beautiful young women from antiquity. Here Godward depicts his model bust-length and in profile, with her thick dark hair elaborately braided, coiled and held in place with red ribbons. However, the work is unusual for Godward because instead of the more customary marble background here he has chosen a rich dark drapery. The deep purple of the backdrop contrasts beautifully with the delicate, transparent orange fabric of her dress, fastened at the sleeve with pearl fibulae, demonstrating Godward's mastery of colour and harmony.

We are grateful to Vern Swanson for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.