The Death of Decius Mus 1705 - 1721

"The Death of Decius Mus" is a red chalk drawing by Jean-Antoine Watteau, created between 1705 and 1721. The work depicts the death of the Roman emperor Decius, who is depicted falling from his horse in a chaotic battle scene. This drawing is a study for a larger composition and exemplifies Watteau's masterful skill in capturing movement and drama through a dynamic composition. The artwork currently resides in the Rijksmuseum, and serves as a valuable insight into the artistic process of one of the leading figures of the Rococo period.