Attributed Noël Saunier (French, 1847-1890), Cleopatra

Oil on canvas, signed and dated 1871 at lower right, presented in an antique Louis XIV style gilt frame with erroneous gallery plaque.

Frame dimensions 18 1/2 x 14 1/2 in.

From the Collection of the Late Frank Sciancalepore, Raleigh, North Carolina

Noël Saunier was a French painter, illustrator and poster artist. He first exhibited for twenty years at the Paris Salon, beginning in 1872. Best known for his genre paintings, the present work is a rather rare foray for Saunier in the Orientalist manner. It is a fanciful Belle Époque depiction of the tragic figure with the asp in a rather Turkish inspired interior.

Two small patches to the verso with associated spot re-touch visible under UV light; minor stable cracking to frame.