Design for a Sword or Dagger Handle with the Suicide of Cleopatra 1592 - 1593

Theodor de Bry’s *Design for a Sword or Dagger Handle with the Suicide of Cleopatra* is a small, intricate engraving from 1592-1593. This design is meant to be an ornate sword or dagger handle with the scene of Cleopatra's suicide surrounded by intricate ornamentation. The composition, framed in an oval, features a winged figure with a serpent wrapped around her arm. This work demonstrates de Bry's mastery of detail and his ability to depict both the beautiful and the macabre. De Bry's engravings were often used to illustrate books, and this piece is a fine example of the detailed work he produced.