Mark Antony and Cleopatra aboard an Egyptian barge (print reproduction) 1891

Henri-Pierre Picou made this print reproduction, titled "Mark Antony and Cleopatra aboard an Egyptian barge," during the 19th century. During this period, Western art often romanticized historical and exoticized cultures. The narrative emphasizes Cleopatra's allure and power, yet it does so through a lens that perpetuates a Western, patriarchal gaze. Cleopatra, an Egyptian queen, is represented as a seductive figure, reinforcing stereotypes about powerful women being inherently manipulative or dangerous. Meanwhile, Antony, a Roman general, is portrayed as being captivated by her, suggesting a narrative of the East seducing and corrupting the West. The print raises questions about the dynamics of power, gender, and cultural representation. The image's focus on spectacle and exoticism serves to highlight the complex and often problematic ways in which Western art has historically depicted other cultures and women in positions of power.