Lady Godiva, c. 1897 Pre-Framed – Victorian Gold Frame 24″X36″

Lady Godiva, c. 1897 depicts Lady Godiva nude on horseback. The story of this scene dates back to the 9th century. Lady Godiva, the wife of Leofric, Earl of Merica took pity on the people of Coventry who were suffering from taxes instituted by her husband. She appealed several times to her husband to abolish the taxes. Her husband agreed to meet her requests if she would ride naked on a horse though town. Godiva issued a proclamation that all people should stay indoors and shut their windows. In this painting we see the Lady Godiva saddled on horseback as she made her way through the deserted town, covered only by her long hair. Accented with warm red tones and soft light, Lady Godiva is a beautiful example of the Pre-Raphaelite style. Currently the original is housed at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.