Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema was a Dutch-born, British painter. His works are remarkable for the way in which flowers, textures and hard reflecting substances, like metals, pottery, and especially marble, are painted – indeed, his realistic depiction of marble led him to be called the ‘marvelous painter’. He likes painting stories or scenes in the ancient world. This painting is called Bluebells which is a kind of blue flower like bells. Scotland is rich in bluebells. Alma-Tadema was influenced by the strongest spirit of romance, so even though he was a classical painter, the painting is a romantic painting.

In a forest, under a good many trees, bluebells cover all the ground. Sunlight filters through the gaps between the leaves on the ground. It is so placid and wonderful. Two women are immersed in the beautiful scenery. One woman is against a tree restfully in a little far distance. It seems that she is thinking something, or she enjoys the scenery so much. We can’t see very clearly her facial expression, but it must be joyful. The other woman is sitting in a fabric with her left hand against the ground. The pose is so natural and comfortable. She enjoys the beautiful view. For romanticism, natural scenery is a good bridge to connect the reality and fantasy. All the painting, the people, the objects, the colors express a strong romantic feeling. People who see the painting will be attracted by it and look forward to it.