Assassination Of The Emperor Commodus (french School Circa 1810-jacques Louis David)

Canvas mounted on cardboard illustrating the assassination of the Emperor Commodus by his slave Narcissus. This sketch reveals the violence of the scene. We can guess that the Emperor Commodus was thrown to the ground while he must have been in his bed or his bath according to the writings. Narcissus, kneeling on the Emperor's stomach, strangles him while holding his other arm. The laurel crown is slightly suggested. The two bodies on the ground, the position of the arms, the legs of the 2 protagonists give great dynamics to the composition. In the background, a character, perhaps a Consul, witnesses the scene. He approves, by pointing to it, what is happening.
This episode is very rarely represented in painting.
The canvas (27.4cm X 22.3cm) and its period gilded frame (34cm X 29cm) are in very good condition. They have been restored by approved professionals.
Inscription on the reverse "Study by David (Jacques-Louis) 1748-1825 painting acquired in 1844, from M. Dequevauvilliers-(FIB)- N°30."COMTE HENRI" Wax seal.

On December 31, 192, the Emperor Commodus (31 years old son of Marcus Aurelius) known for his violence and his whimsical character is assassinated by his mistress Marcia. She tries to poison him but as the emperor manages to vomit the poison, she decides to have him strangled by her slave Narcissus.

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