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Lawrence Alma-Tadema

(Dronrijp, Friesland, Netherlands, 1836 - 1912, London, England)

Ave Caesar! Io Saturnalia! Opus CCXVII

1880

Oil on panel

8 3/4 x 17 3/4 in. (22.4 x 45.2 cm)

Collection of the Akron Art Museum

Gift of Mr. Ralph Cortell

1968.13

More Information

This image contains three distinct episodes: a lively festival honoring the god Saturn (at the far right); the murder of the corrupt emperor Caligula and his family (their bodies lay on the floor in the center); and a guard's discovery of Claudius, Caligula's uncle and successor. Horrified by the murders and fearful that he too will be killed, Claudius attempts to hide behind a curtain.

Keywords
Soldier
Warrior
British
Snakes
Painting
Assassination
Realism
Hiding