Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Lawrence Alma – Tadema

The early life

Lawrence Alma – Tadema was born in Dronjrip, in the northern area of the Netherlands. Lawrence's father was Pieter JiltesTadema, who worked at a notary, had three children from his previous marriage and three from his second marriage. He passed away when Lawrence was only four years old, and his mother, Hinke Dirks, was left with six children to take care of. Lawrence was the third child in his second marriage. He had a sister who was very dear to him. Lawrence's mother was inclined towards arts, so she believed her children must have artistic qualities too. Due to this, she sent Lawrence to a local drawing teacher to receive his first training. Our website of  canvas art paintings  is famous for  hand painted on Canvas 

Mature period of Lawrence

In 1852, Lawrence shifted to Belgium to take art lessons at the Royal Academy of Antwerp. There he studied arts for four years. There he was acknowledged and awarded for his brilliant artworks. At the Royal Academy, he was highly inspired by Master Louis. After passing out of the academy, he worked under Louis for three years. There he gained knowledge about various tribes and explored the basics of arts. The influence of Master Louis can be seen in the artwork of Louis. After that, Lawrence apprenticed under Baron, a famous painter in Belgium whose studio was very famous in Belgium. Under the guidance of Baron, Lawrence exhibited his first-ever painting in 1861, which got purchased by a collector.

For a long time, Lawrence's theme was Merovingian, but in the late 60's he adopted ancient Egyptian subjects because he thought Merovingian wasn't giving him enough recognition. When he went to Italy with his wife, he travelled to Rome, Naples, Pompeii, and the Greek and Roman arts inspired him. Ernest Gambart saw Lawrence's Egyptian painting and was very impressed by the artwork. Ernest gave him 24 more orders and also asked to exhibit three artworks in London. There Lawrence received the title of "knight",; after which he got popular as Sir Lawrence Alma- Tadema. In 1870 Lawrence moved with his family, and by 1871 he was a well-established and highly paid artist in London.

Personal life of Lawrence

Lawrence was a sensitive man who used to take the critics very seriously. He had anxiety issues that dragged him into depression. In 1863 Lawrence lost his mother, which was a major reason behind his depression; he soon married Gressin Dumoulin in the same year and sired three children- one boy and two girls. Among them, the boy died due to smallpox. Both of his girls were inclined to arts. In 1869, Lawrence's wife died at 32, adding to Lawrence's depression, affecting him enough to not paint for four months.

Later life and achievements of Lawrence

Until his 80's Lawrence, continued to exhibit his paintings, and he was a well-known artist then. In 1883 he moved to his own house, and he was elected a member of Oxford University's dramatic society in 1890. He also earned Grand Prix Diploma, which was a great achievement at that time in Europe. He also received the "Knight" reward, which was very rare.

Death of Lawrence

Lawrence was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer; in 1912, he went to Germany for his treatment with his daughter Anna. The treatment was not successful, and he died on the 28th of June in the same year.