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How a flood of sweet-smelling rose petals can turn into a deadly threat is impressively demonstrated by the painting "The Roses of Heliogabalus", created in 1888. Monumental depictions of ancient mythology, influenced by the formal language of Art Nouveau, are the focus of the artist Lawrence Alma-Tadema, who almost fell into oblivion after his death. The art world rediscovered him a few years ago.
At the age of 16, the painter, born in 1836 in Dronrijp, the Netherlands as Lourens Alma-Tadema, began his studies at the Antwerp Academy of Art. The student of Gustave Wappers and assistant to Henri Leys was able to make a name for himself as a sought-after artist at an early age.
His paintings were honoured with prizes at the Paris World Exhibition of 1867, which marked Alma-Tadema's international breakthrough. In 1870 the artist moved to London. His detailed history painting had impressed Queen Victoria so much that she granted Lawrence Alma-Tadema the permanent right of residence in 1873. His associated British citizenship helped him to become a member of the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts. In 1899 the painter was finally knighted. In 1912 Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema died at the age of 76.
How a flood of sweet-smelling rose petals can turn into a deadly threat is impressively demonstrated by the painting "The Roses of Heliogabalus", created in 1888. Monumental depictions of ancient mythology, influenced by the formal language of Art Nouveau, are the focus of the artist Lawrence Alma-Tadema, who almost fell into oblivion after his death. The art world rediscovered him a few years ago.
At the age of 16, the painter, born in 1836 in Dronrijp, the Netherlands as Lourens Alma-Tadema, began his studies at the Antwerp Academy of Art. The student of Gustave Wappers and assistant to Henri Leys was able to make a name for himself as a sought-after artist at an early age.
His paintings were honoured with prizes at the Paris World Exhibition of 1867, which marked Alma-Tadema's international breakthrough. In 1870 the artist moved to London. His detailed history painting had impressed Queen Victoria so much that she granted Lawrence Alma-Tadema the permanent right of residence in 1873. His associated British citizenship helped him to become a member of the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts. In 1899 the painter was finally knighted. In 1912 Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema died at the age of 76.