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

Even though death is right next to him

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

silhouetted against drifting clouds that veil the glowing moon

puppet-like central figure with a knife

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