Macbeth instructing the Murderers employed to kill Banquo George Cattermole (1800-1868)

The composition presents a scene of calculated authority and impending violence. A central figure, seated upon a throne draped in rich crimson fabric, dominates the visual field. He is clad in armor, partially obscured by a voluminous red cloak, holding a staff that serves as both symbol of power and pointer towards his intended actions. His posture conveys an air of controlled intensity; he leans forward slightly, directing his gaze and instruction toward two figures standing before him.
These men, presumably the individuals tasked with carrying out a clandestine act, are rendered in stark contrast to their superior. They appear rough-hewn, their faces etched with a mixture of apprehension and grim determination. One is bearded, his expression suggesting a reluctant obedience; the other seems more eager, almost gleeful, at the prospect of fulfilling their master’s command. Their positioning – close enough to receive instruction but distanced from any sense of camaraderie – highlights their subordinate status.
To the right, another figure observes the exchange with an unsettling smirk. His posture is relaxed, his gaze fixed on the central action, suggesting a detached enjoyment of the unfolding drama. He seems less involved in the direct order-giving and more invested in witnessing its consequences.
The setting itself contributes to the overall atmosphere of intrigue and menace. The throne sits within what appears to be a dimly lit chamber, shrouded in shadow. A discarded weapon lies on the floor at the base of the throne, an immediate visual cue for the violence about to occur. A partially visible chair with a cushion hints at a degree of comfort or luxury that is sharply juxtaposed against the grim business being conducted.
The color palette reinforces these themes. The deep reds and browns create a sense of claustrophobia and foreboding, while the limited use of light focuses attention on the key players and their interaction. The overall effect is one of carefully orchestrated power, where loyalty is conditional and violence is presented as an instrument of ambition. The subtext speaks to the corrupting influence of authority and the moral compromises undertaken in pursuit of it.