The Death of Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra 1645 - 1677

Justus van Egmont's "The Death of Cleopatra" (1645-1677) is a large tapestry depicting the final moments of the Egyptian queen. Commissioned as part of a series depicting the story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, the tapestry shows Cleopatra holding an asp to her breast, a scene that has captivated audiences since antiquity. The drama of this moment is heightened by the vibrant details of the tapestry and its Baroque style, which features elaborate ornamentation. The tapestry's impressive size (164 x 127 1/2 inches) makes it a monumental work that has been admired by viewers in the Metropolitan Museum of Art since its acquisition in 1911.