Alma-Tadema became a British subject in 1873. His home in St. Johns Wood, in the northwest part of London, is described as a most interesting place. The first glimpse of it, seen through the trees, shows the gilded weather vane in the form of a palette; later, the stone pillars of the Roman porch. In all its details the house is carefully and beautifully furnished: the brass knocker on the door, the entrance into a sort of sun parlor paved with tiles and bright with beautiful flowers, and the sound of a fountain near at hand. A flight of marble steps leads to a hall in which beautiful painted panels (the gifts of friends) are the chief decoration. Great tiger skins cover the floor.
Mrs. Tadema also is an artist, and has her studio on this floor. In her studio and the living rooms she has given full sway to her own fancy for the sixteenth-century old Dutch, most of their contents having been brought from the Netherlands. Alma-Tadema’s taste is purely classical, and his studio is consistent in all respects—marble pillars, carved wood-work, chairs, and cushions. Here he lived and worked with this motto before him:
“As the Sun colours Flowers
So Art colours Life.”
Questions about the artist. Of what nationality was the artist? Why was his mother so anxious to have him learn a trade or profession? What did he like to study? What picture did he exhibit when he was fifteen years old? What prevented his becoming a lawyer? What countries did he prefer to represent? What materials did he excel in painting? For what has he become famous?
THE GOLDEN STAIRS
Questions to arouse interest. What does this picture represent? What is there unusual about this stairway? Why do you suppose Burne-Jones painted the stairs without a railing? What is there unusual about these figures? What are they carrying in their hands? Where are they going? Where did they come from? Do they seem to be standing still or moving? What makes you think so? Are they noisy or quiet in their movements? Why do you think so? Why has the leader raised her hand? What can you see in the window above the stairs? Is this a sad or a happy procession? Why do you think so? What do you like best about this picture?
Original Picture: Private Collection of Lord Battersea, England.