Despite his declining health, Mozart remained dedicated to his work, focusing on completing hisRequiem.
He even conducted the premiere ofThe Magic Fluteon 30 September.
However, by late November, his condition worsened dramatically.
He became bedridden, suffering from swelling, pain, and persistent vomiting.
Around two weeks later, on 5 December, he died at his home in Vienna.
The cause of Mozarts death has been the subject of much speculation and debate.
Mozart himself was deeply troubled by his deteriorating health and feared he was being poisoned.
I cannot rid myself of this idea.
Death Comes to the Banquet Table by Giovanni Martinelli, circa 1635.
This group was led by Giulia Tofana, who may have been dAdamos daughter.
The group reportedly obtained arsenic through a priest, whose brother was an apothecary.
A glass bottle containing Manna di San Nicola.
Aqua Tofana was sold, disguised as Manna, in bottles like this.
The poisons greatest asset was undetectability.
The key to its effectiveness lay in careful, controlled dosing.
After the second dose of poison, this weakness and languor became more pronounced, continued the Chambers Journal.
In this way the third drop would be administered, and would prostrate even the most vigorous man.
Spara herself reportedly boasted, Ive given this liquid to more people than Ive got hairs on my head.
In July 1659, five members of the gang were hanged before an unusually large crowd.
But how much truth is there to the story ofAqua Tofanaand its makers?
The fear of secret poisoning, often associated with women, became deeply ingrained in European society.
The scandal led to arrests, executions, and lingering paranoia about clandestine poisoners operating in elite circles.
