Vicious Circle | Jacek Malczewski | 1897 18th Century Even though death is right

Even though death is right next to him

some in flight and others perched on the ground

The scene captures the sorrowful parting between the Virgin Mary and Jesus before His Passion

This evocative scene reflects themes of solitude

The sparse use of light highlights the figure

Vicious Circle | Jacek Malczewski | 1897 18th Century Even though death is rightThe painting depicts a fantastic vision of human figures whirling dynamically in mid air in a magical circle. The artist represented himself as a pensive boy sitting on top of a stepladder above the titular vicious circle and holding a brush in his hand. He is surrounded by the naked bodies of Bacchantes; youths and elderly men personifying the feelings and imagination of a young artist. Paradoxically, they seem both real thanks to the painting's