It is difficult to find happiness in this troubled world and with Omicron spreading faster than any other Covid variant. Yet, if you're having your Christmas break at the moment, try to rest and have some joyful time, maybe getting inspired by art and by the colours spotted in a painting. An example? "Happy Hours" by John William Godward (1861-1922; bear in mind the life of the painter wasn't that happy and, frustrated about his art not being fully acknowledged and his family rejecting him for his artistic choice, he committed suicide).
Stylistically Godward was similar to Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, most of his paintings are indeed portraits of young women in classical settings. Like Alma-Tadema, Godward also put emphasis on classical architectures and classical dress, to give his works the stamp of authenticity. It is therefore easy to spot in his works finely pleated pastel gowns evoking the ethereal beauty of Fortuny's designs. The young woman in "Happy Hours" wears one of such gowns in a gold yellow shade (with a pale blue hem), a colour that goes perfectly well with the festive season.
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