Dying Cleopatra 1738

Nicolas Régnier's "Dying Cleopatra" (1738) is a dramatic depiction of the famed Egyptian queen's final moments. The artwork portrays Cleopatra reclining on a throne as she is attended by two grieving women. The scene likely represents the moment before Cleopatra's death by asp, with her hand outstretched toward an ornate bowl which may contain the venomous serpent. The starkness of the red chalk drawing adds to the tragedy of the scene, capturing the somber mood of the subject matter. "Dying Cleopatra" is currently on display at the Städel Museum.