Lady Godiva
1870
Caught in a moment of hesitation, the legendary Lady Godiva steps out from behind a heavy green and black curtain, her incredibly long, flowing hair acting as her only modesty. Painted by Jozef Van Lerius in 1870, this Romantic masterpiece brings to life the famous folklore tale of the noblewoman who rode naked through Coventry to protest her husband's oppressive taxes. Notice the white horse waiting patiently in the background—he's her ride! The artist plays with the tension of the moment, showing her looking back as if second-guessing her bold protest, while the detailed architecture grounds the myth in a realistic setting.
Location: Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp