Who is Sardinopolis, of Delacroix fame?

Question

Eugene delacroix painted a painting called "Death of Sardinopolis", but I can't find any reference to who that might be anywhere. Does anyone know the story?

Answer 1

The painting is called "La mort de Sardanapale" and can be find in the Louvre in Paris.
Sardanapale was a king of Assyria who knowing he would get caught by his opponents, killed all his family, wives, and animals (throat slashing...). It was hugely scandalous when the painting was first shown in 1827, because of the cruelty and clear opposition to the academics.

It's now considered a real masterpiece. And unlike most Delacroix's paintings, it's not big at all!

Answer 2

This painting was inspired by Lord Byron's drama in free verse of 1821. It (the painting) has been compared to Michael Angelo's last Judgment. Strangely enough the painting does not depict the last scene of the play instead it shows it as the artist envisioned it.
Hope that helps a bit :)