It depicts the mysterious death of Amy Robsart, wife of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and a close favorite of Queen Elizabeth I.

Amy was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in 1560, with a broken neck. The suspicious circumstances led to widespread rumors that she had been murdered so Dudley could marry Queen Elizabeth. Though an inquest ruled it an accident, gossip and scandal surrounded Dudley for the rest of his life.

The painting captures that tense moment: Amy lies lifeless in white at the bottom of the stairs, while two shadowy men above suggest secrecy, foul play, and conspiracy.