Oil on board (24 x 19 inches, unframed)
This painting, a companion to a previous Cleopatra piece, depicts Mark Antony (portrayed by Alexandre de Pardailhan) grappling with political distractions and the recent death of his wife, Fulvia, which temporarily overshadow his love for Cleopatra.
The scene, inspired by Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, shows Antony, one of Rome's rulers, returning from Egypt—where he was involved with Cleopatra—after learning of Fulvia's death and a rebellion led by Pompey. In Rome, he quarrels with Octavius Caesar, another triumvir, who criticizes Antony's decadent lifestyle. To secure an alliance against Pompey, Antony agrees to marry Octavius's sister, Octavia. Despite this, Antony's friend, Enobarbus, believes Antony will eventually return to Cleopatra.
Meanwhile, Cleopatra, upon hearing of the marriage, is initially enraged but regains confidence after a messenger describes Octavia as unimpressive. The painting highlights the enduring influence of Cleopatra on Antony, symbolized by a subdued pyramid in the background, representing her omnipresence even as Antony is consumed by Roman politics. The moon and stars connect the two distant lovers, emphasizing that they share the same sky. The narrative foreshadows the tragic end of both Cleopatra and Antony.
Original painting: £650 use Contact Us
Please note, your payment receipt will appear as 'Art2enjoy'
Ref: Antony and Octavius
Location: UK and Paris
Artist: Iain Will