The Silent Music of Antiquity in the Paintings of Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Many works of the Dutch-English painter Lawrence Alma- Tadema (1836–1912) focus on music: in background of detailed scenarios depicting real archaeological sites and objects, the wealthy people of imaginary ancient towns are portrayed during their moments of otium, such as symposia, private musical and poetic performances, and religious celebrations. Alma-Tadema included musical references especially in scenes representing rituals and celebrations connected to Dionysus. Most of the objects portrayed, according to his modus operandi, reproduce archeological finds that he had seen directly or in reproductions, but the musical instruments do not often refer to ancient models (e.g. auloi/tibiae and tympana). Instead, other instruments represented come from ancient iconographies or real archaeological objects found in Pompeii (e.g., cymbals, plagiaulos and syrinx). In addition to the instruments belonging to the Dionysiac world, ancient string instruments, in particular the cithara, are always associated with the theme of poetic inspiration and the power of poetry that charms and seduces. Musical instruments are represented not only as functional objects, but also with a symbolic and evocative value and they allude to the importance and power of the human emotions and passions and in general to the irrational aspects of man and his senses.