Art du Jour - The Roses of Heliogabalus

The Roses of Heliogabalus by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Oil on canvas, 52.2 × 84.4 in 1888

I remember seeing this one when I was a teen; the amount of detail totally blew my mind. If I could only be a quarter of how talented this artist was, I would be so happy. Sir Alma-Tadema was known for his luxurious depiction of historical decadence, from Merovingian themes to over-the-top Roman Scenes. And “The Roses of Heliogabalus” is just that – a look into Emperor Heliogabalus drowning guests in rose petals mid-orgy. It is said fresh blossoms were imported weekly from the French Riviera during the winter season the artist spent painting this piece in the UK for reference.