Alma-Tadema;: An illustrated life of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1836-1912

by Russell Ash

The paintings of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema reveal much about 19th-century values. His languid women posed against white marble in dazzling sunlight, his forays into sentimentality, escapism and hedonism were adored by the Victorian public. He acquired fame, honour and wealth, only to have his pre-eminence undermined by the changing tastes of a subsequent generation.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Russell Ash is best known for his annual 'The Top Ten of Everything' and other popular reference works, but he is also the author of numerous humour titles. His extensive research work encompasses biographical studies and genealogy.

Reviews

[Isidore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very large book with a worthwhile introduction by one of the scholars who helped restore Alma-Tadema's reputation after his long eclipse. There are good reproductions of more than forty paintings—but, my goodness, A-T repeated himself a lot. His technical excellence is always stunning.

[Bill38silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to the leading art critic, John Ruskin, whose reviews were so important in the art world, Alma-Tadema was "the worst painter of the nineteenth century". No, John, he was the most popular Victorian painter, for good reason. Look at any of the gorgeous 40 colour plates in this book and be awe-struck by the brilliant colours, the pain-staking detail, the beauty, the almost photographic representations of this classical artist.

This book has a short biography of the life and work of the eccentric Alma-Tadema, followed by a short explanation of the 40 plates set out on its own facing page. The large size of the colour plates is essential whereas the text is on the small size.

A well produced introduction to a very talented painter.

[David Schwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick view of the painter Sir Lawerence Alma-Tadema who was very famous during the Victorian period in the UK. He mastered painting marble-like surfaces in his paintings.