Triptych with Portrait of the Painter Lawrence Alma Tadema and his Second Wife

"Triptych with Portrait of the Painter Lawrence Alma Tadema and his Second Wife", a captivating triptych painted in 1871, offers us a glimpse into the life and love of the renowned artist Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Currently residing in the Fries Museum, this piece, measuring 102 by 76.5 centimeters, is a testament to Alma-Tadema's skill as both a portraitist and a storyteller. nn The central panel immediately draws our attention to the artist himself and his second wife, Laura Theresa Alma-Tadema. Standing side-by-side, their expressions exude a quiet intimacy. Alma-Tadema, with his characteristic mustache and a contemplative gaze, is the picture of a man at the height of his career. Laura, holding a delicate fan, complements her husband's presence with a gentle grace. nn The triptych format, often reserved for religious themes, takes on a personal significance here. The left panel, adorned with a floral motif, bears a Latin inscription: "DRONRYPAE XXV SVAE XXXVIII LONDINI ETATIS SVAE XLIX". This inscription, like a personal timeline, marks significant periods in Alma-Tadema's life: 25 years in Dronryp, 38 years in London, and his age at the time, 49. The right panel mirrors this sentiment with another inscription, "LAVRA THERESA SAPPS", a loving tribute to his wife. nn Through this triptych, Alma-Tadema invites us not just to admire his artistic prowess, but also to witness a moment frozen in time – a testament to his love for his wife and a reflection on his own journey.