Cleopatra’s Banquet

Gerard de Lairesse (c. 1675-c. 1680), oil on canvas, c. 1675-1680

Who could throw the most lavish banquet? This was the bet between the Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra and the Roman general Mark Antony. Cleopatra won the wager by dissolving a pearl in vinegar and then drinking the mixture. In this painting, she is just removing her earring. De Lairesse painted this story like a scene from a play, with antique costumes and classical architecture.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-2115
  • Dimensionsheight 74 cm x width 95.5 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op doek