The Opera 'Messalina' at Bordeaux (Messaline descend l'escalier bordé de figurants), 1900-1901 (oil on canvas)

Messalina, wife of the Roman Emperor Claudius, seduced the poet Harès. Tiring of his devotion she transferred her affections to his brother, the handsome gladiator Hélion. Harès vowed revenge against his unfaithful lover. The final scene takes place in the imperial box at the Circus Maximus. Confronted by Hélion, Messaline confesses that she is the cause of his brother’s estrangement from him. Meanwhile, Harès has entered and tries to kill Messaline, but is struck down by Hélion. Realizing that he has murdered his brother, Hélion rushes to his death in the arena, where he is torn apart by lions.