There are three ancient Egyptian obelisks known as Cleopatra's Needle, each of which were re-erected in London, Paris and New York during the 19th century. The present lot depicts the example now in Central Park, New York, formerly in Alexandria. The gift of the obelisk was intended to encourage trade relations between Egypt and America following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The obelisk was erected in Central Park on 22 February 1881.