Cain Slaying Abel 1715 - 1728

Paolo De Matteis's dramatic painting "Cain Slaying Abel" (1715-1728) depicts the biblical story of Cain murdering his brother Abel. The scene unfolds in a dark, wooded landscape, emphasizing the brutality of the act. Cain stands over Abel, who lies dying on the ground. Cain raises a jawbone as a weapon, a powerful symbol of the violence and jealousy that fueled his actions. De Matteis's masterful use of light and shadow adds to the emotional intensity of the scene, drawing the viewer into the tragic moment. The painting is a compelling reminder of the consequences of envy and rage and is considered one of De Matteis's most significant works.