Peter Adams

Cleopatra

• Oil on panel
• 30" x 24", artwork
• 38" x 32" x 1.5", framed
• Contemporary

$20,000

Provenance
Consigned to American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California; Acquired in April 2021 from a family collection in Florida; By descent from a family collection, held from July 2003 to March 2021; Acquired between June 19 and July 6, 2003, from the Salon d'Arts Fine Arts Exhibition and Sale, Colorado History Museum, Denver, Colorado; From the artist, Peter Adams, Pasadena, California.

Description
In Cleopatra, Peter Adams transforms a still-life arrangement into a luminous meditation on history, symbolism, and craftsmanship. The central subject is a 19th-century carved alabaster sculpture of Cleopatra from the artist’s personal collection. Bathed in warm, directional light, the figure radiates against the deep, rich darkness of an ornate lacquer screen, where faint Egyptian and Roman motifs emerge as an exotic and symbolic counterpoint—evoking the queen’s presence as if within her temple.

Adams’ mastery of light and shadow lends the scene a theatrical quality, echoing the stagecraft and exoticism celebrated in 19th-century Orientalist art. The alabaster’s subtle translucence is captured through delicate tonal transitions, revealing the sculpture’s tactile surface and heightening the queen’s enduring allure. Cleopatra—whose legend bridges political history, mythology, and art—has inspired generations of artists. Here, Adams merges that timeless fascination with his own deeply personal vision, rooted in direct observation and reverence for the object itself.

Historical Significance of the Subject
Cleopatra VII (69–30 BC) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, famed for her intelligence, political acumen, and relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. In the 19th century, as Egyptology flourished following Napoleon’s expedition and later archaeological discoveries, depictions of Cleopatra became emblematic of exotic luxury and tragic romance. Alabaster sculptures, such as the one depicted here, were prized souvenirs of the Grand Tour and served as romanticized evocations of ancient Egypt’s grandeur.

Framing
Custom, hand-carved frame by master framer Petros, gilded in 22-karat gold with a leather-textured finish. Egyptian and Roman motifs—scarabs, eagle wings, and fasces—symbolize power and authority, perfectly complementing the painting’s historic theme.

Condition
Excellent condition. The surface of the painting is original and clean, the varnish layer is even, and no areas of damage or inpainting are visible under normal viewing conditions.

Exhibited
Salon d'Arts Fine Arts Exhibition and Sale, Colorado History Museum, Denver, Colorado, June 19 and July 6, 2003.

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