Artwork
Cleopatra
Cleopatra is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jan Muller. It dates from 1598 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:below image, at centre: Prodiga luxuries rerum, vetitique HYMENAEI, / Haec scelerum tandem praemia digna ferunt.; below image, at right: Adrianus de Vries inuent. / Joan Muller sculp.
About this work
Overview
Cleopatra is an engraving on laid paper created by Jan Harmensz. Muller around 1598. The work depicts a scene from ancient history.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving shows a woman, identified as Cleopatra, seated on a throne with a child. The woman's calm demeanor contrasts with the child's active gesture towards a bowl on the floor. A curtain and a vase of flowers frame the scene.
Technique & Style
The engraving features fine lines and shading achieved through cross-hatching, which creates texture and depth. The technique is characteristic of engraving, where images are carved into metal to produce detailed prints.
History & Provenance
Jan Harmensz. Muller, a Dutch engraver and painter from Amsterdam, produced the work after training in his family's printing business and traveling to Italy. He took over the family enterprise upon his return.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Harmensz. Muller (1571–1628) was a Dutch engraver and painter. Muller was born in Amsterdam. His father was a book printer, engraver and publisher. He learned the engraving trade while working in the family…
