Public domain
Covered beaker
From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The beautifully detailed figurine of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra surmounting the lid alludes to one of the properties of rock crystal. In the 16th century this mineral was thought to change colour when it came into contact with poison. Cleopatra, who died from a venomous snakebite, here serves as a warning to keep a close watch on the glass.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineBokaal met deksel. c. 1575 - c. 1599. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
