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Cleopatra and Octavian

Louis Gauffier, 1787–1788

National Galleries Scotland: National, Edinburgh

The subject of the painting derives from Plutarch's life of Mark Antony, where he writes of Octavian's visit to offer comfort to Cleopatra after her defeat at the Battle of Actium and the subsequent suicide of Mark Antony. Cleopatra attempts unsuccessfully to conceal her remaining wealth from Octavian who, despite her failed deception, assures her that he will treat her generously. The Comte d'Angiviller commissioned this work from Gauffier following his unsuccessful attempt to buy a work by Jacques-Louis David. Gauffier was so successful in matching the work of David that this painting was attributed to David until 1954.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Cleopatra and Octavian, 1787–1788

Date supported

1992

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

84 x 112 cm

Grant

40000

Total cost

280000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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