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Lot Essay
The present picture formed one of a set of forty five narrow upright panels that adorned the walls of the entrance hall of 17 Grove End road, Holland Park, the home of Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema. They were painted by Alma Tadema's artist friends in their own particular characteristic style and could be seen as a collection of artist's calling cards. Most of Alma Tadema's friends produced one panel, but in the case of Alfred Parsons, Henry Stacy Marks and the artist's daughter Anna Alma Tadema, two panels were painted. The second panel by Parsons depicted Apple blossom.
After the artist's death the panels were dispersed in 1913. Twenty six, including the present picture, reappeared at auction in 1974. Four panels were sold in The Forbes Collection, Christie's, London, 19-20th February 2003.
After the artist's death the panels were dispersed in 1913. Twenty six, including the present picture, reappeared at auction in 1974. Four panels were sold in The Forbes Collection, Christie's, London, 19-20th February 2003.