Alma-Tadema
Fries Museum, Leeuwarden (NL), 2016
Hollywood’s version of ancient Rome has been heavily influenced by the work of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Classic movie scenes in slo-mo make it obvious.
Paintings on film
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s (1836–1912) paintings won him fame around the world, especially in the United States and Britain. The artist created a vision of classical antiquity and portrayed it so beautifully and convincingly that directors borrowed heavily from his paintings in making Hollywood blockbusters like ‘The Ten Commandments’ (1956).
Alma-Tadema’s influence
Alma-Tadema continues to influence the film industry today. His work has been used as a reference source for films like ‘Gladiator’ (2000) and ‘Ben Hur’ (2016). Slowed-down scenes projected above the paintings let exhibition visitors see how filmmakers have taken cues from the Frisian master’s work.
“[…] filmmakers were inspired by the luxe scenes of ancient Egypt and Rome. This connection is vividly illustrated in a spacious gallery where film clips play directly above Alma-Tadema’s colorful paintings.”
Susan Jaques, The Huffington Post — 17 October 2016
Credits
Client
Fries MuseumSpatial Design
Paul ToornendContent Design Films
Studio LouterGraphic Design
Michaël SnitkerFilm Production
Studio LouterLight Design
Henk van der GeestConstruction
Fries MuseumHardware
PTH Groep