'ask Me No More' By Sir L. Alma Tadema, Original Art Print (1906)

High-quality original fine art print of the painting ASK ME NO MORE (Opus CCCLXXIX) by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, an artist at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The technique used is photoengraving (metal plate and photosensitive gelatin) with the original hand-coloring, published shortly after the painting, in 1906, by the gallery owners Arthur Tooth & Sons; the print was made in Berlin by Stiefbold & Co.

The subject: ASK ME NO MORE - which tells of a love that cannot have a future because she doesn't want to suffer when he is gone, is set in a distant past reconstructed with archaeological meticulousness, typical of "Victorian culture." This culture found a valid representative in L. Alma-Tadema (Dutch painter, 1836-1912), who, in addition to being an artist, also promoted her own artistic production. He managed to supervise and control the quality, diversity, and quantity of his reproductions, ensuring that his work was reproduced satisfactorily and profitably. In particular, he forged a strong professional relationship with the publisher A. Tooth (from 1890 onwards). He painted many works for him, which were generally followed by photoengravings. Most likely, the commissioning of the original and the "reproductions after the painting" went hand in hand. In this context, his prints represented, rather than imitated, his work, thus highlighting it. The guilloche frame, in carved and ebonized wood, is contemporary.

Inscription at bottom left - Printed by Sir L. Alma Tadema, R. A.
Inscription in image - L. Alma Tadema OP. CCCLXXIX
Inscription at top right - Copyright 1906 by Mess to Arthur Tooth & Sons Publishers 175-176 New Bond Street, London, 41 Boulevard des Capucines, Paris, 299 Fifth Avenue, New York and Mess to Stiefbold & Co. Berlin. Printed in Berlin.

Condition: Very good; the paper is slightly damaged near her left leg. There is a damp stain at the bottom right edge of the scene (see photo), however, the legibility of the work is not affected; signs of wear and tear are due to use and age.
Dimensions: Print without frame, 71 x 49 cm; framed, 89 x 69 cm