Caesar Throws Himself into the Sea from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra c. 1680

This tapestry, titled "Caesar Throws Himself into the Sea from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra," was created by Guilliam van Leefdael around 1680. The work, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, depicts the dramatic moment when Julius Caesar, after being defeated by the Egyptians, throws himself into the sea in a desperate attempt to escape. The tapestry is a vibrant example of 17th-century Flemish art, capturing the historical narrative through rich colors and detailed imagery. The scene unfolds against a stormy sky, with the ocean waves crashing around Caesar as he is pulled from his sinking ship by his soldiers. The dynamic composition and intricate details make this tapestry a powerful and engaging representation of a pivotal moment in ancient Roman history.