Artwork
94 Degrees in the Shade
94 Degrees in the Shade is an oil painting by Lawrence Alma-Tadema. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
94 Degrees in the Shade is an 1888 oil painting by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, depicting a serene outdoor scene of a woman reading in a field.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a relaxed woman lying in a lush field, surrounded by tall grasses and plants, under a clear blue sky with white clouds. Her pose and the warm color palette convey a sense of leisure and enjoyment on a sunny day.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work showcases Alma-Tadema's characteristic attention to detail and use of warm colors, though it diverges from his typical themes of Roman luxury, instead emphasizing serene, natural surroundings.
History & Provenance
Created in 1888 by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, a Dutch-born artist trained at the Royal Academy of Antwerp, who later settled in London in 1870. Provenance details are not specified.
Context
While Alma-Tadema was known for depicting Roman decadence and luxury, this piece reflects a softer, more idyllic aspect of his work, possibly influenced by his British surroundings or a departure from his usual classical themes.
Legacy
94 Degrees in the Shade, though not typifying Alma-Tadema's most recognized Roman-themed works, contributes to the broader appreciation of his versatility as an artist capable of capturing serene, everyday moments with equal skill.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema ( AL-mə TAD-ay-mə; born Lourens Alma Tadema, Dutch: ; 8 January 1836 – 25 June 1912) was a Dutch painter who later settled in the United Kingdom, becoming the last officially recognised denizen in 1873.
