Who painted Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra?

Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra was painted by Francesco Solimena in 1702.

Where can I see Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra?

Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra?

Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra is associated with High Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra

Francesco Solimena , 1702

Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra is an unspecified painting by the High Baroque Italian artist Francesco Solimena. It dates from 1702 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Francesco Solimena painted *Der Perlentrunk der Cleopatra* in 1702, during the height of the High Baroque era. The work is part of the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings and showcases Solimena’s characteristic compositional vigor, while hinting at the classicizing restraint that marked his later output.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents a seated woman in a light‑toned gown, her dark hair gathered back. She holds a small object in her right hand and rests a bouquet of flowers on her lap, suggesting a quiet, contemplative moment that aligns with the title’s reference to Cleopatra’s legendary pearl‑drinking episode.

Technique & Style

Solimena employs a stark chiaroscuro, setting the figure against a deep, shadowed background that accentuates the luminous dress and facial features. The dramatic contrast of light and dark reflects his early influences from Luca Giordano and Mattia Preti, while the overall composition retains a measured classicism.

History & Provenance

Created in the early eighteenth century, the painting entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to Solimena’s workshop in Naples, a city that served as a hub for his prolific output and for the dissemination of his works across Europe.

Context

The work belongs to a period when Baroque artists increasingly explored themes from antiquity and classical literature. By depicting Cleopatra—a figure associated with luxury and tragedy—Solimena engages with contemporary tastes for dramatic historical subjects rendered in a refined, theatrical manner.