The Lady Godiva painting traveled to Paris

COVENTRY’S late 19th-century oil painting Lady Godiva has been loaned to the Palace of Versailles for an exhibition dedicated to horses and equestrian civilization in Europe.

The painting has been part of the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum collections for decades and is a flagship piece in the Discovery Godiva Gallery locations and was painted by John Collier.

It traveled 400 miles to the former residence of the French royal family and now one of the world’s most popular cultural visitor attractions.

The exhibition will be held to coincide with the equestrian events at the Paris Olympics and the painting is due to return to Coventry in November.

Martin Roberts, Curatorial Manager at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, said: “We are delighted that John Collier’s image of Lady Godiva will be exhibited at the Palace of Versailles.

“This prestigious opportunity allows one of Coventry’s most prized works to gain international exposure in the context of an outstanding exhibition on equestrian civilization – I believe its inclusion underlines the artistic and cultural importance of the piece.

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“We look forward to seeing him return to Coventry in November after captivating audiences in France during the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

John lived from 1850 to 1934 and was a British artist known for his contributions to the Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian art movements.

The painting captures the figure of Lady Godiva – the 11th century noblewoman who is famous for protesting against her husband’s oppressive taxation of the citizens of Coventry.

According to legend, she rode naked through the streets of Coventry, covered only by her long hair, to win a tax remission.