Der sterbende Seneca,

um 1612/13

Material / Technology / Carrier

Holz

Dimensions of the object

185 x 154,7 cm

Displayed

AP OG Saal VII

Department

Flämische Malerei

Genre

Malerei

Inventory number

305

Acquisition

1806 aus der Galerie Düsseldorf

Stock

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München

Citation

Peter Paul Rubens, Der sterbende Seneca, um 1612/13, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/wE4KXQExZ5 (Last updated on 25.07.2024)

Seneca championed the teachings of Stoicism that are illustrated here. Incorrectly suspected of conspiracy by Emperor Nero he was forced to commit suicide. He faced death with equanimity in keeping with the principles of Stoicism. By acquiescing to his unjust fate in an upright and composed fashion he demonstrated the attitude he embodied even in the face of his tyrant. Seneca’s body is based on a Classical sculpture that Rubens had drawn from numerous angles during his stay in Rome. The facial features correspond to those of a bust of the philosopher.