Unconscious Rivals by Lawrence Alma-Tadema - 1893 - 45.1 x 62.8 cm Bristol City Museums and Art Gallery Unconscious Rivals by Lawrence Alma-Tadema - 1893 - 45.1 x 62.8 cm Bristol City Museums and Art Gallery

Unconscious Rivals

Oil on canvas • 45.1 x 62.8 cm
  • Lawrence Alma-Tadema - January 8, 1836 - June 25, 1912 Lawrence Alma-Tadema 1893

Lawrence Alma-Tadema, known for his fascination with ancient life, created this captivating scene depicting two glamorous women lounging in an opulent Roman villa. Inspired by his visit to Pompeii in 1893, Alma-Tadema frequently incorporated elements of daily life in ancient Greece and Rome into his work. Traditionally, these young women have been interpreted as rivals in love, awaiting the attention of the same man. Themes of dalliance and love are suggested by the marble sculptures adorning the parapet, such as the images of Cupid trying on a mask of Silenus. Alma-Tadema based these sculptures on artifacts found in Roman museums, using photographs from his extensive reference collection.

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