Lot 385
Artist: Cabanel Published by Gebbie & Co., Philadelphia. The subject is handled in a cold, statuesque style; but withal it is the more impressive for its coldness and imperial grace. A passage from Plutarch's life of Marc Antony was the inspiration of this picture. After the defeat by Augustus of the combined, forces of Antony and Cleopatra at Actium, when they retreated to Alexandria, they seem to have become determined to die by suicide. "The court of Egypt actually disbanded their club of 'The Inimitable Livers,' and constituted another in its stead not inferior in splendor or luxury, calling it that of 'The Diers Together;' for all those that said they would die with Antony and Cleopatra gave in their names; for the present passing their time in all manner of pleasures and a regular succession of banquets. But Cleopatra was busied in making a collection of all varieties of poisonous drugs, and in order to see which of them were the least painful in their operation she had them tried on prisoners who were under sentence of death. But finding that the quick poisons always worked with sharp pains, and that the less painful were slow, she next tried venomous animals, and watched with her own eyes whilst they were applied--one creature to the body of another. This was, her daily practice, and she concluded that nothing was comparable to the bite of the asp, which, without convulsion or groaning, brought on a heavy lethargy, the senses being stupefied by degrees, the patient being sensible of no pain, but only troubled when disturbed, like those that are in a profound natural sleep." The Queen is surrounded by her Maids of Honor, watching the experiments on the slaves, who, as they are dispatched, are carried from her presence. Alexander Cabanel , born at Montpelier, 1823, was a pupil of M. Picot, and attracted remark at the Salon of 1844 by his Agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. The following year he obtained the second grand prize of painting for his Jesus in the Pralorzum, and, in consequence of a. vacancy, secured the benefits of the Prize of Rome. M. Cabanel obtained a second medal in 1852; a first medal and the decoration of the Legion of Honor in 1855; and the Medal of Honor in 1865. In 1864 he was made officer of the Legion of Honor. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request
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Dimensions:
- 8" x 10" and 8.75" x 10.75" Condition:
- Very Good - Excellent Condition
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