De stervende Seneca 1612 - 1616

"De stervende Seneca" is a 17th-century oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens depicting the Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger in the throes of death. The painting is notable for its dramatic depiction of Seneca's suffering, with his contorted face and exposed chest reflecting the emotional turmoil of his final moments. Rubens' masterful use of chiaroscuro and the contrasting colors of the flesh and the white drapery heighten the sense of tragedy and pathos, typical of the Baroque style. The painting serves as a testament to Rubens' skill in capturing the raw power of human emotion.