Death of Seneca

Emperor Nero sentenced his former advisor, the philosopher Seneca, to death by suicide for reportedly conspiring against him. Seneca sits propped up by the figure behind him as blood flows from his severed arteries into a basin of water. His tepid pallor seems to match the dying day behind him as his life slowly drains from his aged body. Seneca’s weakened voice draws his pupils close, writing tools in hand to record the philosopher’s final teachings. Their facial expressions show their admiration and sadness.