The Remorse of Nero After the Murder of His Mother 1878

John William Waterhouse's "The Remorse of Nero After the Murder of His Mother" (1878) depicts the Roman emperor Nero in a moment of regret after killing his mother, Agrippina the Younger. The painting is a striking example of Pre-Raphaelite artistic sensibilities, characterized by meticulous detail and an idealized depiction of the human form. The artist portrays Nero's emotional turmoil through his melancholic pose, a dramatic use of light and shadow, and a rich color palette dominated by a vibrant red. The artwork, currently in a private collection, serves as a testament to Waterhouse's mastery of historical narrative and his ability to evoke complex emotions through painterly technique.