BY REMY JACOBS

Eugene Delacroix was one of the leading painters of the Romanticism Era. What makes this so appealing to the human eye is the vibrant colors and the emotion shown on the faces. 

For inspiration for the painting, Delacroix drew from William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. When first looking at the painting, most people instantly avert their eyes to Cleopatra's illuminated white face, the luxurious jewelry, and the silky-looking clothes.  

Delacroix is trying to depict life and death. The reasoning for her sad face is because Augustus Ceaser has just killed her lover. Because her lover is dead and she has been captured, she thinks that there is no point in life anymore. She contemplates suicide so that she can be at peace with her lover. 

When looking at the peasant on her right, you can see the snake, figs and animal skin. Supposedly she wants the snake to bite her so that the poison will inevitably killer her. The animal skin is just more flaunting of her wealth.