Who painted Cleopatra?

Cleopatra was painted by Marcantonio Raimondi in 1490.

Where can I see Cleopatra?

Cleopatra is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Cleopatra?

Cleopatra is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Cleopatra

Marcantonio Raimondi , 1490

Cleopatra is a print by the Renaissance artist Marcantonio Raimondi. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This black-and-white print depicts a scene of Cleopatra reclining on a bed, with compositional roots in an ancient Vatican statue. The image features a woman in a state of partial undress, with one arm resting on her head and her body turned at an angle, accompanied by a draped cloth at the bed's edge.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified as Cleopatra, is shown with an implied presence of an asp (not visually rendered in this description), referencing her legendary death. The pose, derived from a classical statue, evokes a sense of tragic serenity.

Technique & Style

The print utilizes deep shadows and smooth shading to achieve a three-dimensional effect, characteristic of Renaissance printmaking techniques, notably chiaroscuro, which enhances volume on a flat surface. The background is defined by tight, wavy lines, creating an enclosed atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The composition is based on an ancient statue located in the Vatican, indicating the artist's engagement with classical antiquity, a common practice during the Renaissance.

Context

Created during a time when Renaissance artists frequently drew inspiration from classical antiquity, this print reflects the era's fascination with ancient Roman and Greek culture.

Legacy

This print, through its use of chiaroscuro and classical inspiration, contributes to the broader Renaissance tradition of reviving and interpreting ancient themes in contemporary artistic practices.

Artist & collection

Artist

Marcantonio Raimondi

Marcantonio Raimondi, often called simply Marcantonio (c. 1470/82 – c. 1534), was an Italian engraver, known for being the first important printmaker whose body of work consists largely of prints copying paintings. He…