The paintings of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema reveal much about 19th-century values. His languid women posed against white marble in dazzling sunlight, his forays into sentimentality, escapism and hedonism were adored by the Victorian public. He acquired fame, honour and wealth, only to have his pre-eminence undermined by the changing tastes of a subsequent generation. This book features his work from private and public collections, in large-format colour plates.