Standing Roman

In the style of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema British, born The Netherlands

1875–90

Not on view

A noble Roman, perhaps the emperor Claudius, stands lost in thought as he fingers a rich curtain. Elements in the study--the archeologically accurate tripod table, the textile decorated with an image of "Amphitrite in Triumph"--can be found in paintings that Alma-Tadema made beween 1865 and 1871. Born in Friesland, the artist studied in Antwerp, worked in Brussels then moved to London in 1870 where he pioneered a distinctive mode of historical painting that mixed history and genre with evocative, detailed settings. The present drawing likely was made by a student or admirer, and prods the viewer to recall Claudius's sudden rise to power when the Praetorian Guard murdered his corrupt nephew Caligula (Alma-Tadema painted versions of that subject in 1867 and 1871).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Standing Roman
Artist: In the style of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema (British (born The Netherlands), Dronrijp 1836–1912 Wiesbaden)
Date: 1875–90
Medium: Pen and gray ink, brush and gray wash
Dimensions: sheet: 10 1/2 x 7 1/16 in. (26.6 x 18 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Harry G. Sperling Fund, 2009
Object Number: 2009.401
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

By Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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Curtain, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema British, born The Netherlands, Silk, British — Curtain
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema
ca. 1885

The Benediction

Multiple artists/makers

1894 or later

God Speed, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema British, born The Netherlands, Etching on Japan paper; proof — God Speed
Multiple artists/makers
1894

The First Whisper of Love, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema British, born The Netherlands, Etching on chine collé; proof — The First Whisper of Love
Multiple artists/makers
1876

Pleading, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema British, born The Netherlands, Etching on chine collé; proof — Pleading
Multiple artists/makers
1878

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