The Death of Sophonisba
The Death of Sophonisba or Sophonisba Taking Poison is a 1670s painting by Mattia Preti depicting the suicide of Sophonisba in Ancient Carthage. It is held in the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon. Description. This work is an oil on canvas, 2.02 meters high and 1.78 meters wide. This Baroque painting evokes great power and a dynamic quality. He is influenced by the pathetic and dark art of Caravaggio. It has a theatrical character with architectural elements as a backdrop. Sophonisbe is pale and disfigured, one feels in her the rapid effect of the poison  she has just taken. His left hand is resting on his chest. In the other hand, she holds the poison. The pallor of his face connotes the accomplished effect of the mortal act. Massinissa wears a red toga over the shoulder representing both murder and destructive love. Sophonisbe wears blue fabric: a rare color reserved for important people. This love is also highlighted by the putto, a little angel, representative of Baroque art. All eyes are directed towards Sophonisbe, the main character of the scene. A woman in the lower right hides her nose with a handkerchief as a sign  of anxiety. The sky, which can be seen at the top right, is covered by many clouds ranging from gray to black. These colors that darken the sky refer to the main figure Sophonisbe dying.