Proclaiming Claudius Emperor, Opus XlVIII
1867
Imagine hiding behind a heavy curtain because your nephew, Emperor Caligula, was just assassinated, and suddenly a squad of armed soldiers bursts in. That’s the terrifying moment captured here for Claudius, who is cowering on the floor in a panic. Instead of executing him, the Praetorian Guard is actually cheering and reaching down to proclaim him the new Emperor of Rome. Alma-Tadema masterfully paints the contrast between the rough, excited soldiers and the absolutely petrified future ruler who just wanted to stay hidden. It’s a hilarious historical twist where the man least expecting power gets dragged onto the throne.
Views: 1