The Story of the Work
Alma Tadema Artist: From the Gray North to the Golden South
How did a boy from the misty Netherlands become the definitive Alma Tadema artist of the Mediterranean sun? The epic story of his journey south.
Explore the history →The Baths of Caracalla: Rome's Most Beautiful Bribe
Why did Emperors build five-star spas and give them away for free? Discover how Rome bought loyalty with hot water and marble.
Explore the history →The Lesbia Cycle (Part I): The Girl in the Salon
In the first act of the Lesbia Cycle, we step into the crimson salon to meet the woman behind the mask—the socialite who inspired a poet's obsession.
Explore the history →The Dirt and the Dream: The Artist Tadema in the Age of Excavation
The 19th century was obsessed with digging. Discover how the artist Tadema used the new science of archaeology to revolutionize painting.
Explore the history →Laurence Alma Tadema: The Writer Who Fought for a Nation
Discover the story of Laurence Alma Tadema. The painter's daughter who became a celebrated poet, a novelist, and a champion for Polish independence.
Explore the history →The Alma-Tadema Marble Technique: How the Master Painted Light Into Stone
Discover the secrets of the Alma-Tadema marble technique. Learn how the 'Marble Whisperer' used sub-surface scattering and synthetic pigments to turn oil paint into living stone.
Explore the history →Alma Tadema and the Lost Portrait of Jules de Soria (Opus CCLXXXVIII - 288)
Of all the musicians Alma Tadema painted, only one remains lost. Discover the mystery of Jules de Soria, the wine merchant who sang for kings.
Explore the history →Alma Tadema and Paderewski: The Pianist Who Became Prime Minister (Opus CCCXI - 311)
When Ignacy Jan Paderewski played at the home of Alma Tadema, the studio became a concert hall. Discover the story behind Opus 311, a portrait of genius and friendship.
Explore the history →Alma Tadema and Joseph Joachim: The Listening Soul (Opus CCCXVIII - 318)
Joseph Joachim was the greatest violinist of his age. Discover how Alma Tadema captured the 'listening soul' of the man who inspired Brahms.
Explore the history →Lawrence Alma-Tadema's Sister: The Lost Portrait of Opus I
Lawrence Alma-Tadema's first catalogued work, Opus I, was a portrait of his sister Artje. Today, this foundational painting has vanished. Discover the mystery of the missing face.
Explore the history →The Tycoon Painter: Why A Single Lawrence Alma Tadema Cost a Mansion
Lawrence Alma Tadema wasn't a starving artist—he was a Victorian tycoon. Discover how a single Lawrence Alma Tadema painting cost the equivalent of $20 million today, and why his wealth rivaled modern Premier League footballers.
Explore the history →