Lot 28: Cleopatra receiving the asp from a basket of fruit, with her attendants Iras and Charmion

Jacob van der Sluys (Leiden c. 1660-1732) Cleopatra receiving the asp from a basket of fruit, with her attendants Iras and Charmion signed 'Jacobus Van Der Sluys' (upper right) oil on panel 10½ x 9 in. (26.7 x 23 cm.)

Jacob van der Sluys was a pupil of Arie de Vois (Utrecht c.1630-1680 Leiden) and Pieter van Slingeland (Leiden 1640-1691). He was a member of the St. Luke's Guild at Leiden in 1685, and very much followed in the tradition of the 'Leiden Fine Painters', known for their small paintings, principally genre scenes, full of minute detail and executed in a polished style.