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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

architectural validation, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, spring

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Art

Abstract

Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s 1894 work Spring depicts a typical Mayday festival, in which young girls go out into the country to gather flowers. However, instead of rendering the splendors of Victorian London, he portrays the scene as a traditional Roman festival. Alma Tadema has placed great importance on the architectural aspects of his work, as is proved by its prevalence in the composition. The Romans took great pride in building design evidenced by modern ruins that have withstood generations; buildings were carefully constructed to worship the Gods or house athletic competition. At the time the painting was produced, Roman culture enjoyed great popularity. Thusly, society in Victorian London would recognize these ancient structures and the importance attached to them. Transplanting this Victorian tradition into classical times presents a parallel between Victorian England and Imperial Rome. This metaphor alludes to British colonialism, a major issue of the time. Alma Tadema presents Britain as a modern Roman Empire, something that would both intrigue his audience and inspire heated debates; this analogy is strengthened by the architectural details that have been included in Spring.

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