The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra

The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra

Justus van Egmont

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This panel depicts the moment at which Antony first sees Cleopatra, who is riding in the stern of a barge, fanned by youths dressed as cupids (as described by Plutarch). Cupid, leaning against the sail of the barge, aims an arrow at Antony, who is riding a spirited horse. The Latin inscription in the upper cartouche reads "Antony, sent to compel her, is captured by love of her." The exuberant style is typical of the tapestry designs of Justus van Egmont, who blended the dramatic figures of Rubens with a relish for billowing draperies and decorative details. Although the date of conception is unknown, sets of this design were being produced in Brussels from the early 1650s, and it evidently enjoyed considerable popularity. Several partial sets have survived, some numbering more than ten pieces.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and CleopatraThe Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and CleopatraThe Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and CleopatraThe Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and CleopatraThe Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.