The Banquet of Cleopatra
c. 1743-1744 National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
About this artwork
This grand oil painting depicts the legendary banquet scene where Cleopatra, to win a wager with Marc Antony, prepares to dissolve a priceless pearl in a goblet of vinegar. The lavish setting and numerous figures emphasize the opulence and drama of the historical event.
Did you know?
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo masterfully captures the extravagant wager between Cleopatra and Marc Antony. Legend has it, Cleopatra bet she could consume a fortune in a single meal. To win, she famously dropped one of her invaluable pearl earrings into a cup of strong wine vinegar, dissolving it, and then drank the concoction, showcasing her immense wealth and power. This painting often serves as a symbol of excess and imperial display.
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The Banquet of Cleopatra
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, c. 1743-1744
