Cleopatra and Antony Enjoying Supper, from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra c. 1680

"Cleopatra and Antony Enjoying Supper" is a large tapestry from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra, woven by Geraert Peemans. The tapestry depicts a moment of leisure between Cleopatra and Antony, an Egyptian queen and a Roman general, during a period of political maneuvering and alliance-building. Note how the tapestry weaves together narratives of power, desire, and cultural exchange, reflecting the historical fascination with Cleopatra as a figure who challenged gender and racial norms. As we contemplate this scene, consider the power dynamics at play, the exoticism projected onto Cleopatra, and the tensions between personal desires and political ambitions. How does the tapestry invite viewers to negotiate questions of identity, representation, and historical memory? This piece invites us to consider how the narratives of the past continue to shape our present.