Who painted Antony and Cleopatra?

Antony and Cleopatra was painted by Unknown in 1850.

Where can I see Antony and Cleopatra?

Antony and Cleopatra is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Antony and Cleopatra?

Antony and Cleopatra is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Antony and Cleopatra

Unknown , 1850

Antony and Cleopatra is a print by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is an engraved print titled “Antony and Cleopatra: Act 5 Sc 2,” produced in London around 1850. It belongs to the Harry Beard Collection and depicts a moment from Shakespeare’s tragedy. The image is rendered in black‑and‑white line work, characteristic of mid‑nineteenth‑century British printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrated is Act 5, Scene 2, a climactic exchange between the Roman general Antony and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Both figures are shown in costume that evokes an antiquated, romanticized vision of ancient Egypt and Rome, reflecting Victorian tastes for historical drama rather than strict historical accuracy.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving, the print employs strong contrasts of light and dark, a chiaroscuro effect that models the figures and creates depth. Fine hatching and cross‑hatching convey texture in the clothing and the surrounding space, indicating a meticulous hand and the technical skill typical of the period’s reproductive prints.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1850, the print entered the Harry Beard Collection, a private assemblage of 19th‑century British prints. Its survival in this collection provides a rare example of popular visual culture that circulated Shakespearean scenes to a broad audience before the advent of photographic reproduction.

Context

During the mid‑1800s, Shakespeare’s plays were frequently adapted for visual media, including engravings, lithographs, and illustrated books. This print reflects the era’s fascination with theatrical staging and the desire to make literary moments accessible to those who could not attend performances.