Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps was a popular French painter born in 1803. Decamps was one of the first French painters to join the Romanticism art movement that began during that time. Paintings were no longer realistic. The focus was now on conveying feelings through art. Decamps unique painting style led him to becoming a prominent figure among many French painters. 

Decamps painting titled “The Suicide”, created in 1836, is theorized to be about a man who was “overcome by adversity” and took his own life. Although the inspiration for the painting is not completely known, it is speculated to have been influenced by two popular French artists that died of suicide after their latest artworks had been scrutinized. Decamps use of colour and detail conveys powerful messages about sorrow and suicide.

Image Credits: 
Feature Image: Andreea Popa, On Unsplash, Creative Commons
Body Image: Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps, Public Domain