
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Long
http://www.allartclassic.com/author_biography.php?p_number=86
This was a large painting (68 x 120 inches, oil on canvas) commissioned by Edward Hermon MP. The price was a reputed 1,700 guineas an enormous sum for the time. The subject is from George C. Swayne's
The History of Herodatus which includes a description of the marriage auction of the Babylonians.
The painting was an enormous success and gained him an Associateship of the RA. It took two years to paint and notices in the journals of 1875 were ecstatic. Critics agreed on the quality of the colour, its 'spirit and dramatic power'. Large crowds came to see it and Long concentrated on Egyptian scenes after this.

[Preparing for the Festival of Anubis] 1889
http://www.allartclassic.com/pictures.php?p=1&p_number=86&forder=1&countsp=15