The Siesta 1868

Lawrence Alma-Tadema, who painted 'The Siesta,' was a Dutch-born British painter, celebrated for his depictions of luxury and leisure in classical antiquity. Here, we witness a scene that encapsulates the Victorian era's romanticized vision of ancient Rome. Alma-Tadema’s paintings, with their precise architectural details and scenes of domestic life, offered viewers an escape into what they perceived as a more idyllic past. This painting, in particular, has an erotic edge. While seemingly depicting an innocent scene of rest, there is a subtle interplay of power, gender, and class dynamics, seen in the reclining figures. Who are these people, and what were their relationships? The woman standing is performing labour while the others are relaxing. Alma-Tadema’s work, while appearing to simply reflect historical scenes, also reveals a fascination with creating spaces of beauty and tranquility that resonated with his contemporary audience. The question that remains is whether it reflects a genuine interest in the past, or simply perpetuates fantasies of escape and beauty.