Ninety-four degrees in the shade by Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Departing from his usual ancient subjects, the painter here explores a bucolic and rural scene of great simplicity. Titled “Ninety-four degrees in the shade”, this painting by Lawrence Alma-Tadema fits into the genre realism of the Victorian era. The artist abandons Roman marbles to focus on the serenity of country landscapes, immortalizing a moment of learning and total disconnection in the midst of a generous and nourishing nature.

In the foreground, a young boy dressed in a light suit and a hat lies prone on his stomach in the dry grass. His face turned toward the ground, he is absorbed in reading a large open book placed before him, one hand supporting his head. Beside him lie a butterfly net and a long cane, suggesting a pause during a scientific expedition. The surrounding landscape is a vast field of golden wheat after the harvest, dotted with numerous conical haystacks that extend to the horizon. In the background, a few green trees stand out under a light blue sky scattered with sparse white clouds, bathing the entire scene in a warm summer light.

This work highlights the artist’s technical versatility in representing natural landscapes. Lawrence Alma-Tadema demonstrates a superb mastery of yellow and ochre nuances to restore the texture of the hay and the earth. His attentive realism lends a peaceful and authentic atmosphere to this rustic scene.