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Geraert Peemans

Caesar Embarks by Boat to Join His Army from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra

c. 1680
Wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave
381.7 × 366.3 cm (150.3 × 144.2 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

These hangings display all the characteristics of the Flemish High Baroque: monumental figures, dramatic gestures, expressive faces, and minimal backgrounds. The story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar was a popular subject for tapestry by the time these works were woven in the 17th century. This hanging shows a moment during the Egyptian Civil war. Following a failed attempt upon their l ives, Caeser and Cleopatra find themselves besieged by opposing Egyptian armies. Here noatman strain to convey a laurel-crowned Caesar to join his army. The water birds in the sky and the reeds at right convey the setting of the Nile.

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