Rijksmuseum

Bokaal met deksel

anonymous

Date

c. 1575 - c. 1599

Medium

gold (metal)

Institution

Rijksmuseum

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.

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