Cleopatra c. 1725

oil-on-canvas

possibly oil pastel

portrait reference

portrait head and shoulder

underpainting

france

animal drawing portrait

portrait drawing

facial portrait

oil-on-canvas

portrait art

fine art portrait

digital portrait

François Lemoyne's "Cleopatra" (c. 1725) is a classic Baroque painting that depicts the Egyptian queen in a moment of contemplation. Lemoyne was a French artist known for his elegant portraits, often featuring mythological and historical figures. Cleopatra is portrayed as a beautiful and powerful woman, dressed in rich fabrics and adorned with jewels. The painting is characterized by its dramatic lighting and use of color, which helps to create a sense of depth and emotion. The composition is also noteworthy, with Cleopatra's figure placed prominently in the center of the canvas. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is home to this captivating piece of art history.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Cleopatra was the last great pharaoh of Egypt. She was capable of intrigue, murder, military action, and all manner of power plays. Becoming first the lover of Julius Caesar and then of Mark Antony (Roman politician and general), she gave enduring meaning to the term “foreign affairs.” Cleopatra and Mark Antony reportedly continued their playful flirtations even after marrying. The story goes that she bet Mark Antony that she could spend ten million sestertii, which amounts to about 55,000 pounds of silver or well over ten million dollars, on a single meal. She served very simple dishes, and he scoffed at her effort. Then she ordered a second course, a single cup of strong vinegar. Cleopatra took a huge, fabulously valuable pearl and dropped it in the cup. The pearl dissolved, and she drank it down.