(Dronrijp, Friesland, Netherlands, 1836 - 1912, London, England)
1880
Oil on panel
8 3/4 x 17 3/4 in. (22.4 x 45.2 cm)
Collection of the Akron Art Museum
Gift of Mr. Ralph Cortell
1968.13
This image contains three distinct episodes: a lively festival honoring the god Saturn (at the far right); the murder of the corrupt emperor Caligula and his family (their bodies lay on the floor in the center); and a guard's discovery of Claudius, Caligula's uncle and successor. Horrified by the murders and fearful that he too will be killed, Claudius attempts to hide behind a curtain.