Cleopatra, Eros, Antony, Charmian and Iras (Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra, Act 3, Scene 9) 1825 - 1840

This engraving by Charles Rolls, created between 1825 and 1840, depicts a scene from Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra." The scene portrays the moment when Cleopatra faints upon learning of Antony's defeat. The figures in the artwork, including Cleopatra, Antony, Eros, Charmian, and Iras, are carefully rendered, creating a dramatic and emotional impact. Rolls skillfully captured the intensity and tragedy of the scene, making it a powerful interpretation of Shakespeare's text. This engraving, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to the enduring influence of Shakespeare and the power of visual art to convey literary masterpieces.