The two main characters in theatrically exaggerated contrast of the opposite, separated by the wedge of obliquely incident light, which is fixed by the dog's head and legs of the page in the darkest corner of the picture (bottom right). From very dark framing precious the white-in-white-Gewoge the state robe Cleopatra. As background of the Cleopatra a draped ionic column. Right group of warriors and servants.
Source: Lempertz Auction, Old Master Paintings, Porcelain / Faience, Catalog 403, Lot 42
Provenance
Arthur Maier Collection, Carlsbad (died 1935), Marianne Matella, Carlsbad (legitimate heir); Auction 1939 by the auction house Lempertz, Cologne; [...]; Museum Kunstpalast Düsseldorf
