The Marriage of Zenobia and Odenatus
Medium
Black chalk with brush and brown wash on ivory laid paper, laid down on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
18.2 × 31.9 cm (7 3/16 × 12 9/16 in.)
Classification
chalk
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
110099
Art Historical Context
Justus van Egmont's *The Marriage of Zenobia and Odenatus* captures pivotal moment from ancient history: the union of Zenobia, the fierce queen of Palmyra and Odenathus (Odenatus), her consort and Roman ally in the 3rd century AD. This drawing, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings department reflects the Baroque fascination with dramatic historical and mythological narratives, a hallmark of van Egmont's training in Antwerp during the 17th century. Though undated, it exemplifies his skill in rendering grand scenes with emotional intensity. Executed in black chalk height...