Cleopatra dizolvând perla

About this work

A woman in a dark, flowing dress holds a broken vase in one hand, her other hand resting on it. Her face is turned slightly away, with soft curls framing her forehead. The background is plain and shadowy, focusing all attention on her. Her dress looks almost three-dimensional, with light catching the folds. The dark background makes her skin and clothes stand out sharply. This painting uses *chiaroscuro*.