The life of Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema
My version of the Moirae (the fates), inspired by the underrated Dutch/English artist Alma Tadema

´A painter of mostly classical subjects, he became famous for his depictions of the luxury and decadence of the Roman Empire, with languorous figures set in fabulous marbled interiors or against a backdrop of dazzling blue Mediterranean sea and sky. Alma-Tadema's works are remarkable for their depiction of flowers, textures and hard reflecting substances like metals, pottery, and especially marble. One of the most popular Victorian painters, Alma-Tadema was admired during his lifetime for his draftsmanship and accurate depictions of Classical antiquity, but his work fell out of fashion after his death, and only since the 1960s has it been appreciated for its importance within Victorian painting.´

My vision was to have the Moirae hold Sir Lawrences lifeline in their hands, in a setting that totally fits his style of Classical Victorian painting. The roses are there not only because they are a leitmotiv in many of his paintings, but also as an extra reference to the cycle of life that the Moirae dictate, from bud near Clotho, to full blossom around Lachesis, to decay near Atropos... I tried to reinforce the triangle shaped composition that is already in Lucas Pina´s bust. The horizon line of the sea might look rather high, but that was the way Alma Tadema painted it as well

Hope you like these 3 old Greek ladies!

  • Steph.DPLUS

    Gold ;)

  • OrigalumPLUS

    Very good version of these “oldies”! I like that it’s not so grim and noir as many other versions

  • Holger SchwarzPLUS

    Absolut great and wonderful real painting !

  • BrushAndBush

    that background adds a lot to the picture, being so simple, gold

  • Alexey "Annaero" Krikunov

    Cute!)

  • Štěpán Tichý

    This is a beautiful rendition of the bust. Subtle shading and pastel colours and overall mood seel the piece very well. Love it.

  • schiragaPLUS

    Gold i love you color chance