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Paul Manship, Lady Godiva, 1958, bronze on marble base, 7 7⁄8 x 7 3⁄4 x 3 1⁄8 in. (20.0 x 19.6 x 7.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.75
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Lady Godiva
- Artist
- Date
- 1958
- Location
- Dimensions
- 7 7⁄8 x 7 3⁄4 x 3 1⁄8 in. (20.0 x 19.6 x 7.9 cm)
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Paul Manship
- Mediums Description
- bronze on marble base
- Classifications
- Keywords
- Animal — horse
- Portrait female — Godiva, Lady — nude
- Portrait female — Godiva, Lady — equestrian portrait
- Literature — character — Lady Godiva
- Object Number
- 1966.47.75
Artwork Description
Lady Godiva lived in Coventry, England, in the eleventh century. She was concerned about the poverty of the local peasantry and asked her husband, Leofric, the Earl of Mercia and a powerful nobleman, to reduce the taxes. He agreed on the condition that she would ride naked through the streets of Coventry. This she did, and the taxes were abolished. Although we know that Lady Godiva did exist, the legendary ride is probably a myth that has been exaggerated by storytellers through the centuries. The expression “Peeping Tom” comes from one version of the tale, in which a local boy, Tom, stole a look at the naked lady as she rode through the town.