The Egyptian queen Cleopatra was in Victorian England best known through Shakespeare’s tragedy “Antony and Cleopatra”. Marc Antony rejects the offer to marry the sister of Roman Emperor Octavius in favor of Cleopatra. After Antony fails to take the throne, Cleopatra commits suicide: “It were for me, to throw my scepter at the injurious gods, to tell them that this world did equal theirs, till they had stolen our jewel.”
Waterhouse made this painting to feature in the magazine The Graphic, that had just elected him among the 21 most prominent artists. Although some critics blamed him for “French influences”, the star of Waterhouse was still rising and approaching the status of the immensely popular Dutchman Lourens Alma Tadema.
62 x 45 cm and in perfect condition.
Note: Actual colors may vary slightly due to differences in display settings. The print will be carefully packaged to ensure its safety during transit.
