Drawing for a Book Illustration--Cleopatra 1700 - 1800

This anonymous drawing from the 18th century is a preparatory sketch for a book illustration depicting Cleopatra. It features a decorative frame with a circular space for the main illustration, surrounded by a draped cloth and two figures. At the base of the frame are various objects, including a spear, a jug, and fruit. This detailed design suggests that the illustration would have been a prominent feature in the book. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this drawing, an example of 18th century book illustration design.