The Art of Chill - Dolce Far Niente × Wonderland Mag

Set within a world of tactile softness and quiet luxury, this piece celebrates the beauty of doing nothing — a visual ode to dolce far Niente. The subject embodies modern ease, reclining comfortably while enjoying simple, everyday pleasures like snacking, lounging, and simply being. As a contemporary twist on the original painting The Quiet Pet by John William Godward, the turtle is reimagined as a turtle-shaped bread and cucumber, placed subtly in the bottom right corner. This work invites us to embrace relaxation and leisure in a society that often views laziness negatively,
reminding us that sometimes, slowing down is an act of radical self-care.

An editorial shoot for Wonderland Magazine with Indra Studios
-homage to the neoclassical world of William John Godward

Dolce Far Niente is an editorial series that reinterprets the neoclassical elegance of William John Godward’s paintings through a contemporary lens. Known for his serene portraits of women in Mediterranean-inspired settings—surrounded by marble, draped fabrics, and classical motifs—Godward’s world becomes the foundation for a modern visual narrative.

Each of the five styled looks in this series directly recreates a specific Godward painting, carefully translating his compositions into photographic form. From wardrobe to set design, every element has been intentionally crafted: rich fabrics, soft natural lighting, and hand-painted backdrops.
What sets this series apart is the subtle infusion of modernity. Playful styling choices, bold combinations with contemporary makeup & hair, and unexpected props are deliberately woven into the scenes—creating a dialogue between antiquity and the present. Rather than simply mimicking the originals, the editorial merges eras, allowing classical beauty to resonate within a modern visual language.

Dolce Far Niente, meaning “the sweetness of doing nothing,” captures the spirit of contemplative beauty—a quiet luxury that perhaps we need now more than ever.


Model: Marygrace Tropeano @marygracetropeano
Designer: Ellia Harrison, @elliaharrison


Photographer / Creative Director / Producer: Madoka Takei @photo_window_t
Art Director: Yasmine Steele @yasmine_mia
Art Director assistant: Ismael El Hachimi Thierry @ismael.thi
Backdrop painter: Purvi Sharma @purvi_s_
Photographer assistant: Remy Hyper @rem.d.m.a
Stylist: Lal Menase @lalcostume
Makup artist: Madeline Eyford @madelinemargaretmakeup
Hair Stylist: Lina Sekkiou @linasekkiou.hmu
Retoucher: Anastasia Myagkova @anastasi_retouch