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an old drawing of a man laying on a bed in a rooma drawing of a man and woman in a bed with a dog
Dams Casa d'Aste

18 - Felice Giani – The Death of Cleopatra Pen, brown ink and wat…
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Estimate €1,500 - €3,000
Sale commission
Description
Felice Giani – The Death of Cleopatra Pen, brown ink and watercolour on paper, 39 x 54 cm The drawing most likely depicts the death of Cleopatra: the queen lies lifeless on her bed, attended by one of her handmaidens, whilst a second female figure lies sprawled in the foreground and a group of figures bursts into the room. The setting is unmistakably Egyptian in style, as indicated by the figures within niches and the pseudo-hieroglyphic inscriptions decorating the walls – elements consistent with the archaeological and antiquarian taste that became widespread in Neoclassical culture between the late 18th century and the early 19th century.The composition displays characteristics fully attributable to Felice Giani’s style: the highly theatrical construction of the space, the rapid succession of figures, the emphasis on gesture and the swiftness of the brushstroke transform the historical episode into a scene of intense dramatic tension. Particularly characteristic of the artist is his manner of rendering anatomy and drapery through a continuous, energetic and concise line, capable of suggesting movement with extreme immediacy.The sheet forms part of Giani’s extensive body of graphic work devoted to themes drawn from ancient history and classical literature, often conceived as independent studies or in relation to his numerous decorative cycles. The accentuated interior setting and the almost ‘theatrical’ nature of the depiction are particularly significant elements of his personal interpretation of Roman Neoclassicism. Set in a contemporary frame. We would like to thank Professor Anna Ottani Cavina for confirming the attribution on the basis of photographic evidence.
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About the sale Paintings and Drawings from the 15th to the 19th century
Auction location
Auction time 10/29/2026 at 3:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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