Poetry 1879

Lawrence Alma-Tadema painted “Poetry” using oil on canvas to create this scene of leisure and contemplation. Notice how the cool, smooth marble contrasts with the soft textures of the woman’s clothing, the animal pelt, and even her flowing hair. Alma-Tadema was renowned for his ability to depict a range of materials, creating realistic looking surfaces with paint. He was also known for his meticulous research into historical accuracy. Marble was quarried and carved, textiles were woven and dyed. The contrast between the labor-intensive production of these materials, and the leisured life of the woman depicted, tells us a lot about the social context in which this painting was made. It reflects a Victorian fascination with classical antiquity, but also a celebration of wealth and privilege achieved through industrial capitalism. Alma-Tadema invites us to appreciate the art of painting not only for its aesthetic qualities, but also for its engagement with the complex relationships between materials, making, and social life.