The Asp of Cleopatra

This powerful marble sculpture depicts the Egyptian queen Cleopatra in a moment of contemplation before her death by asp bite. Story, an American sculptor working in Rome, captured Cleopatra's regal composure and inner turmoil. The detailed carving of her robes and jewelry demonstrates the Neoclassical mastery of marble work. Nathaniel Hawthorne featured this sculpture in his novel "The Marble Faun."

Exhibition Venue

Walters Art Museum

Baltimore, United States