He was one of the most well known painters in the history of Great Britain. Born in the Netherlands, Lawrence Alma-Tadema studied in Belgium before making England his home. He would later become well known for classical paintings that would capture the regal lifestyles of the Roman Empire.

Lawrence spent his youth painting because he was thought to be a sick young man. After what appeared to be a physical if not a mental breakdown, the young Lawrence was permitted to do whatever he wanted. Typically, he chose painting or drawing. In 1852, he attended the Royal Academy of Antwerp where Dutch and Flemish art gained his attention.

Until the mid-1860's, Merovingian themes seemed to be the art Lawrence preferred. Since he found little popularity in his chosen genre, he soon found Egyptian art to be more appealing to those interested in art. Soon, he was considered a classical subject European painter held in high regard.

He married Marie-Pauline Gressin who was the daughter of a journalist. His 1867 painting of My Studio depicts his wife but few other paintings include his wife as one of the subjects. The couple had three children.

Once Lawrence Alma-Tadema arrived in England, he would never leave. He would go on to become highly recognized and a notable artist who gained a lot of respect during his era.

Alma-Tadema won awards and notoriety for his work but one of the most credible accomplishments was when he became a full Academician in 1879. Thanks to his creative hand and masterful mind, Lawrence became noted as the "marbelous painter" because he was able to capture the elements of marble, pottery and metals with a paintbrush.

His famous works include Silver Favourites (1903), The Finding of Moses (1904), A Favourite Custom (1909), and Spring (1894), among many others. Lawrence Alma-Tadema was buried in a London crypt upon his death in 1912.