Second Half Of The 19th Century Large Painting With Anthony And Cleopatra

A beautiful, large painting on canvas made with vegetable dyes. The painting depicts the banquet between Antony and Cleopatra; as Plutarch notes, Cleopatra organized a sumptuous banquet to impress Anthony, at the end of which she dissolved a precious gem into the goblet of wine, as seen in the scene at the center of the canvas and as indicated by the inscription at the top: "Cleopatra gemmam ineffabilis valoris Antonio in potum fundit," which translatesas: "Cleopatra puts a gem of ineffable value in Anthony's drink". Seated at the lavishly laid table, Anthony, dressed in his lorica, and Cleopatra, elegantly attired and adorned with pearls and a diadem, appear on either side. Around them move the women of the queen's court, carrying trays off ood and keeping Cleopatra company, as well as a flying Erote. This is a very common scene in 17th-century tapestries, replicated by several Brussels workshops. One of these tapestries is now housed at the Hermitage, and it is from this tapestry that this large painting draws inspiration. Finally, the scene is adorned with a frame of garlands of plants and fruit, reminiscent of the Renaissance style, with small figures plucking them. This is a unique workof great historical and antique value, perfect for decorating any space with refinement. Tuscan manufacture in the neo-Renaissance style, from the second half of the 19th century.

Dimensions: H x W 285 x 285cm