Messalina

Messalina, an 1881 painting by Peder Severin Krøyer, depicts a woman, possibly Messalina, in a flowing, light-colored toga-like garment. She wears gold jewelry, including a necklace, bracelets, and a crown or headband. Her expression is serious and somewhat somber. She is positioned against a backdrop of rich gold fabric and a golden ornate chair or throne, suggesting a setting of wealth and power. A glimpse of a crowded amphitheater or stadium is visible in the background to the left. The painting is oil on canvas, measuring 1.02 meters wide and 1.42 meters high, and is part of the Gothenburg Museum of Art's collection.