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Notes

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The philosopher Seneca (about 4–65 AD) had been a friend and confidant of the emperor Nero, but the latter eventually suspected him of plotting against him. As a result, he ordered Seneca to commit suicide. The philosopher cut open his arms and legs, and even as he was dying continued to talk to his followers. Eventually, as death was coming slowly, Seneca asked for some poison to drink, but this did not work. He then entered a pool of heated water, with which he sprinkled his nearest slave, exclaiming 'I offer this liquid as a libation to Jupiter the Deliverer'. He was eventually carried into a bath, the steam of which suffocated him.

The Bowes Museum

Barnard Castle

Title

The Death of Seneca

Date

1800–1820

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 110 x W 95.6 cm

Accession number

B.M.600

Acquisition method

bequeathed by the Founders, 1885

Work type

Painting

The Bowes Museum

Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8NP England

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Artist or maker

French School

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