Waiting for the procession John William Godward (1861-1922)

The composition presents a scene steeped in classical allusion and subtle narrative tension. Here we observe two women positioned before a sculpted relief depicting a female figure, likely representing a deity or mythological personage. The lower woman stands firmly on what appears to be a marble plinth, draped with the pelt of a leopard. Her attire consists of flowing robes in muted greens and browns, accented by a terracotta sash that wraps across her torso. She holds a fan in her hand, its presence suggesting leisure and perhaps anticipation.
Above her, perched atop the same structure, sits another woman clad in ochre-toned drapery. She is engaged in an activity – fanning herself with a large palm leaf – which contributes to a sense of languid expectation. Her posture is relaxed, almost nonchalant, contrasting slightly with the grounded stance of the figure below.
The backdrop reveals a landscape bathed in diffused light, punctuated by vibrant red blooms and lush foliage. The sky displays a dramatic interplay of clouds, hinting at an impending change in weather or perhaps symbolizing a shift in mood. Scattered petals litter the ground before the plinth, adding to the overall atmosphere of suspended time.
Subtleties within the work invite multiple interpretations. The leopard pelt is significant; it evokes associations with power, luxury, and potentially danger – qualities that might be attributed to one or both of the women. Their expressions are enigmatic; neither displays overt emotion, fostering a sense of mystery about their roles in an unfolding event. The sculpted relief behind them serves as a visual anchor, connecting the scene to classical mythology and suggesting a narrative context beyond what is immediately visible.
The painting’s overall effect is one of poised stillness, hinting at a forthcoming procession or ceremony that holds significance for these women. Its a moment captured before action, imbued with an undercurrent of anticipation and perhaps a touch of melancholy. The artist has skillfully employed color, composition, and symbolic elements to create a work rich in visual detail and suggestive narrative possibilities.