Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Sotheby's Tries Again with Alma-Tadema

April 4, 2011 by Marion Maneker

Sotheby’s follows up their eye-popping sale of Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s The Finding of Moses for nearly $36m last year with another Alma-Tadema work, The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra, 41 BC ($3-5m)

Renowned for his expansive knowledge of ancient artifact, the chief sources for the objects that Alma-Tadema illustrates in The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra, 41 B.C. appear to be either from the collections of European museums–where the artist spent countless hours–travels to ancient Greco-Roman sites, or from published surveys of Egyptian culture, art and archaeology that served as source material for many artists. For example, the barge gleams with gold inscriptions in Egyptian hieroglyphs that translate to “The (Female) Ruler”, with the name ‘Cleopatra’ written in cartouche. The Queen herself lounges seductively on her throne holding the traditional crook and flail of a pharaoh, rendered in carnelian and silver.

Soon after leaving Alma-Tadema’s studio, the artist’s interpretation of this ‘historical’ meeting assumed an iconic status. It was published widely in world history books, and later served as important inspiration for theatrical and filmed versions of this famous story, including the legendary 1963 movie starring the late Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Christie's OM & 19th C = $36.7mChristie's OM & 19th C = $36.7m
  • Sotheby's 19th C: $13,288,475Sotheby's 19th C: $13,288,475
  • 19th Century Preview: Palmer19th Century Preview: Palmer
  • Sotheby’s 2015 Results Flat Due to Rise in Finance RevenuesSotheby’s 2015 Results Flat Due to Rise in Finance Revenues
  • Frank Auerbach Work Not Displayed in Public for 50 Years at Bonhams in LondonFrank Auerbach Work Not Displayed in Public for 50 Years at Bonhams in London
  • Bonhams Sells Hepworth Sculpture for $849kBonhams Sells Hepworth Sculpture for $849k

Filed Under: General Tagged With: 19th C

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...