Cleopatra 1509 - 1515

"Cleopatra" is an engraving by Jacopo de' Barbari, a Venetian artist whose brief but prolific career ended in 1516. Created sometime between 1509 and 1515, the work depicts the Egyptian queen in a relaxed, almost melancholic pose, seated beneath a tree and draped in a diaphanous garment. While the engraving is small, it showcases de' Barbari's skill in capturing realistic detail, particularly in Cleopatra's anatomy and the textural quality of the surrounding landscape. The work is currently housed in The Art Institute of Chicago.