with love, lady godiva

She rode naked through her city for the sake of the people of Coventry, who were struggling to make ends meet thanks to her husband Leofric, Earl of Mercia who refused to lower taxes. He apparently said that he would lower taxes if she rode through the city naked on a horse. She said aight bet, and did just that with nothing covering her body except for her long hair. Everybody was told to stay inside and not to look out the window. Everybody obeyed except for one person, who was later blinded as a punishment. That’s where we get the term ’Peeping Tom’ and for being a voyeur because people can’t keep their eyes to themselves and just mind their business.

Lady Godiva (1897) by John Collier

She stood on business and her husband decided to lower taxes. Talk about getting the job done.
A wonderful sentiment by a woman in her position at a time where a person with her status didn’t have to care for people that were of lower rank and it would’ve been perfectly fine.

Her nudity and courage could be symbolic with finding your own sense of fearlessness. Doing what’s best for you and daring to be brave.

If you want to learn more:
Ellen Duval – The legend of Lady Godiva • What did this noble lady do so incredible? (video, 1min 37sek)
Stories Of Art – The Surprising Story of Lady Godiva (video, 12min 36sek)
History.com – Who was lady Godiva?

Other artworks that I’ve written about: Lover of art
Portrait of a black woman
Pope makes love to lady Mary Wortley Montagu
The fallen angel
Unsettling art
Hugues Merle