A favourite custom by Lawrence Alma-Tadema

This monumental work transports us into the opulent and relaxing atmosphere of Roman baths, a favorite subject for this creator. Titled “A favourite custom”, the painting shows Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s legendary skill in reconstituting the classical architecture of the Empire. Through this lively genre scene, the artist celebrates the cult of the body, the hedonism, and the sociability that characterized these public spaces dedicated to well-being, offering a vibrant testimony of reinvented Greco-Roman customs.

The composition opens onto a vast, light marble basin where two completely naked women frolic joyfully in crystal-clear water. One of them, wearing a green cap, smiles at the spectator while her companion, seen from behind, prepares to swim. Submerged steps lead to an upper level where numerous Roman citizens dressed in fine tunics are active. On the left, a monumental basin supported by a sculpted bronze tripod holds a large bouquet of purple flowers, bringing a colorful note to the dominant whiteness. The background reveals a row of columns and architectural arches under a diffuse light that harmoniously envelops the entire room.

The oil technique is pushed to its climax here, particularly in the stunning representation of water transparency. Lawrence Alma-Tadema proves once again his incontestable genius for painting marble in all its forms. The realism of the drapery and the anatomical accuracy underline his exceptional craftsmanship.