signed and inscribed 'L Alma Tadema/à son ami/J. Dupont' (lower left)
oil on panel
14 x 9 3/8 in. (35.6 x 23.9 cm.)
This is an early work by the artist, painted when he was still working in Belgium prior to his move to London. It lacks an 'opus' number, and is on a smaller scale than his other commissions at this date, indicating that he painted it as a gift. The recipient was Dupont, a photographer who had taken likenesses of Alma-Tadema's family, and who shared a studio with the artist.
The picture carried an alternative title of 'The Honeymoon'. The couple curve into one another, and the gesture of their hands indicate tender young love. They are garlanded in celebration, and are looking in the mirror to try and imprint on their memories their present happiness.
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