This image is a painting by John William Godward (no date) called Noonday Rest.

Looking at the use of light in this painting, you can see several ways in which use of light places you in the scene, creating a realistic feel. From the background scenery and the marble surround, I assume the piece is set in Greece or Italy in ancient times. light light is harsh on the surround, showing its flat, solid nature. From the shadows we can see that the light source is behind the viewpoint and to the left, as shadows are dropping slightly to the right. you can also tell the surround behind you is likely to be similar to that of the marble shown in the image because of the light reflection reducing the shadows in the image, diffusing away any really dark shadows. the use of light on the clothing is very soft, with very few sharp/dark shadows, showing that it is a soft material, possibly silk, which is reinforced by the translucency shown in the cloth against the marble.

Noonday Rest - Reproduction, 2012. John William Godward.org. [online] Available at: <http://www.johnwilliamgodward.org/Noonday-Rest-large.html> [Accessed 03 November 2012 ].