About this artwork
These hangings display all the characteristics of the Flemish High Baroque: monumental figures, dramatic gestures, expressive faces, and minimal backgrounds. The story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar was a popular subject for tapestry by the time these works were woven in the 17th century. This hanging shows a moment during the Egyptian Civil war. Following a failed attempt upon their l ives, Caeser and Cleopatra find themselves besieged by opposing Egyptian armies. Here noatman strain to convey a laurel-crowned Caesar to join his army. The water birds in the sky and the reeds at right convey the setting of the Nile.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Artists
- Workshop of Gerard Peemans (Manufacturer) , Justus van Egmont
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Title
- Caesar Embarks by Boat to Join His Army from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra, Caesar Embarks by Boat to Join His Army
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Places
- Flanders (Object made in:), Brussels (Object made in:)
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Date
- Made 1675-1685
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Medium
- Wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave Warp: Count: 10 warps per cm; wool: S-ply of three Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.5–0.7 mm Weft: Count: varies from 20 to 48 wefts per cm: wool: S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.3–0.8 mm; silk: pairs and three yarns of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements; paired yarns of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements and single Z-twisted element; diameters: 0.4–0.85 mm
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Inscriptions
- Marked and signed: Brussels city mark; GI·PEE Inscribed: CAESAR CYMBAM / CONSCENDIT· / EXERCITVI·SE· /IVNCTVRVS (Caesar embarks by boat to join his army)
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Dimensions
- 381.7 × 366.3 cm (150 1/4 × 144 1/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Chauncey McCormick and Mrs. Richard Ely Danielson
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Reference Number
- 1944.19
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/49670/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.