Who painted Tod der Kleopatra?

Tod der Kleopatra was painted by Sebastiano Ricci in 1698.

Where can I see Tod der Kleopatra?

Tod der Kleopatra is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Tod der Kleopatra?

Tod der Kleopatra is associated with High Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Tod der Kleopatra

Sebastiano Ricci , 1698

Tod der Kleopatra is an unspecified painting by the High Baroque Italian artist Sebastiano Ricci. It dates from 1698 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Sebastiano Ricci’s 1698 oil painting Tod der Kleopatra belongs to the late Baroque period in Venice. Executed in a luminous, vigorous manner that recalls the Cortonesque tradition, the work exemplifies the grand‑manner fresco style popular at the close of the 17th century. It is presently part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The composition portrays the moment of Cleopatra’s death, with the Egyptian queen shown standing beside a recumbent, partially nude male figure whose arm is coiled by a serpent. The queen holds a jeweled crown above the dying body, her calm gaze underscoring the tragic finality of the scene while the asp’s upward movement suggests the lethal bite.

Technique & Style

Ricci employs strong chiaroscuro to model the figures, creating a pronounced sense of volume against a muted beige wall. The contrast of light on the flesh and the dark, sinuous snake heightens the drama. Brushwork is brisk yet controlled, delivering the theatrical intensity typical of High Baroque while retaining a bright, Venetian palette.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1698, the painting entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich during the 19th century, where it has remained on public display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on acquiring representative works of late Baroque Venetian art.

Context

Ricci occupied a pivotal position between the earlier Baroque masters and the emerging Venetian school of the early 18th century. Tod der Kleopatra illustrates his role as a conduit, merging Cortona’s dynamic compositions with the lighter, more decorative tendencies that would later define Venetian painting.