Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema was one of the most renowned painters of late nineteenth century Britain. A classical-subject painter, 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.

Universally admired for his superb draftsmanship and depictions of classical antiquity during his lifetime. He fell into disrepute after his death and only in the last thirty years has his work been reevaluated for its importance within nineteenth-century English art.