woman closing curtain with sleeping woman in backgound on R

Midday Slumbers, 1888

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Lawrence Alma-Tadema achieved spectacular success in England producing dreamy, mildly erotic paintings of languorous Victorian beauties in gorgeously appointed antique spaces—Roman baths and markets, colonnaded Grecian terraces, Egyptian houses. His house in London was almost as renowned as his paintings. Reports describe classically inspired architecture, ornament, and mosaics, all designed by the artist himself. Paintings and house alike were informed by a deep knowledge of and fervent fascination with antiquity.

Alma-Tadema’s compositions present distant worlds with startling immediacy. Strong vertical elements here tightly crop the space, giving the viewer a sense of privileged intimacy in this glimpse of a woman indulging in a midday nap in a private back room of a house. An excellent colorist, Alma-Tadema was adept at representing the subtle effects of light and shadow in watercolor. Note, for instance, how the warm, diffuse afternoon light coming through the onyx windowpane contrasts with the dark shadows on the cold marble floor.

Details
Title
Midday Slumbers
Artist Life
Dutch (active Britain), 1836–1912
Role
Artist
Accession Number
75.51
Provenance
[Maple and Company, London, in 1913]. [Abbott and Holder, London; until about 1960; sold to Rowe]; Terrence Rowe, London (about 1960-75; to Hartnoll); [Julian Hartnoll, London, 1975; sold, for £3,750, to MIA]
Catalogue Raisonne
Alma-Tadema opus no. 285
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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woman closing curtain with sleeping woman in backgound on R