In Cleopatra bitten by the asp, Guercino presents a dramatic scene filled with rich colors. Cleopatra is depicted in a moment of despair, surrounded by dark tones that enhance her pale skin. The asp, coiled around her arm, adds a sense of urgency and danger to the composition.

The background is muted, focusing the viewer's attention on Cleopatra's emotional expression. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium during the Baroque period. Guercino's use of chiaroscuro creates a strong contrast between light and shadow, highlighting Cleopatra's features and the texture of her garments. The dimensions are approximately 100 x 130 cm, making it a substantial work that commands attention.

The detailed rendering of the asp showcases Guercino's skill in depicting nature. Guercino, born Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, was a prominent Italian Baroque painter known for his dramatic use of light and color. This painting, created around 1650, reflects the artist's fascination with historical and mythological subjects. An interesting fact about this work is that it captures the moment of Cleopatra's demise, a theme that resonates with the tragic elements of her story.

The painting is housed in the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples, Italy.