The Death of Messalina is an 1870 oil on canvas painting by Fernand Lematte, now in the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts with the inventory number PRP 121 / MU 3004 de Paris. The death of Claudius's wife Messalina in the Gardens of Lucullus (as reported by Tacitus) was the subject set for candidates for the Prix de Rome in 1870. The historian relates that her killing was a hurried affair, ordered by the Emperor's freedman Narcissus when Claudius showed himself inclined to mercy. "Evodus, [another] of the freedmen, was appointed to watch and complete the affair. Hurrying on before with all speed to the gardens, he found Messalina stretched upon the ground, while by her side sat Lepida, her mother, who, though estranged from her daughter in prosperity, was now melted to pity by her