Frederick Sandys - Cleopatra.jpg

This “illustration” is unusual in that the image preceded the text. The poet, Algernon Swinburne, wrote the poem after viewing Sandys’ design. The poem and illustration appeared together in Cornhill Magazine in 1866. The subject is the moment when Cleopatra prepares a banquet for Caesar, Anthony, and Pompey, adding a pearl to the liquor so that “My draught to Anthony shall exceed in value the whole banquet.” (see references)

Artist: Frederick Sandys. License: Public domain. Source

#topless-women-in-art #1860s