Looking and sniffing at one of the toughest non-visual theme for paintings. Can any go beyond mere allegory and ev0ke the sensation?
Aestheticism
Second and final part to commemorate his death a century ago, with several of his finest paintings.
He died a century ago, a succession of brilliant and very successful paintings behind him. First of two parts in retrospect.
A popular title in the 19th century, it is almost a hallmark of the Aesthetic movement: no narrative, no meaning, just art for art’s sake. Except…
Beautiful paintings, devoid of narrative, symbols, or meaning. They represent the height of the Aesthetic movement: ‘pure’ art.
After a brush with almost Impressionist landscapes, did he settle down and paint Rome and Greece purely for the sake of art?
After his reputation was shredded by Roger Fry, Alma-Tadema was almost forgotten. Why should his work now be revived?
How did one of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood come to paint this clothed Andromeda, waiting to drown in the Solway Firth?
His classical narratives are as sophisticated as Leighton’s, his spectacles as good as Gérôme at his best, and he made some of the best paintings of the Aesthetic movement.
Reviled through the twentieth century, in his day he was one of the most eminent British artists. Is he due a revival?
The Eclectic Light Company 