Who painted Cleopatra?

Cleopatra was painted by Henri-Charles Guérard in 1889.

Where can I see Cleopatra?

Cleopatra is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Cleopatra?

Cleopatra is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Cleopatra?

Museum-quality prints of Cleopatra are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Cleopatra

Henri-Charles Guérard , 1889

Cleopatra is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri-Charles Guérard. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1889, this print by French artist Henri‑Charles Guérard portrays a solitary female figure in profile.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower center in image: CLEOPATRA; lower right below plate: Guerard
Markings: Marked:artist's red studio stamp (Lugt 3481)

About this work

Overview

Created in 1889, this print by French artist Henri‑Charles Guérard portrays a solitary female figure in profile. Executed on laid paper, the composition focuses on the woman's head and shoulders, her headscarf patterned with small circles, set against a muted beige background. The image is rendered in a restrained tonal range that emphasizes form and atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as Cleopatra, the famed queen of Egypt, presented here in a contemplative pose. By isolating her profile and omitting narrative detail, Guérard invites viewers to consider the iconic status of the historical figure, emphasizing her regal bearing and the timeless allure associated with her legend.

Technique & Style

Guérard employed a combination of mezzotint and aquatint, allowing deep, velvety shadows to transition smoothly into lighter tones. The mezzotint ground provides rich chiaroscuro, while the aquatint adds subtle washes that model the folds of the scarf and the softness of the skin. The result is a realistic rendering that balances detail with atmospheric depth.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in Paris during the late nineteenth‑century revival of intaglio processes. It entered the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in French printmaking of the 1880s and Guérard’s contribution to the medium.

Context

Guérard, primarily known for his etchings and lithographs, explored mezzotint at a time when French artists were experimenting with tonal print techniques to rival painting. The work aligns with a broader fascination among 19th‑century artists with historic and exotic subjects, using the print medium to disseminate such images beyond the confines of the salon.