Description

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Fabled for her sexual allure and cunning intelligence, Cleopatra VII of Egypt has fascinated generations of admirers and detractors since her tumultuous life ended in suicide in 30 B.C. The last of the Ptolemaic monarchs who had ruled Egypt for three centuries, Cleopatra created her own mythology. She became an icon in her own lifetime and a legend after her death.

This lavishly illustrated catalogue coincides with a major international exhibition celebrating images of Cleopatra. It explores how she was depicted during her own era, in works ranging from coins to life-size sculpture. Exciting new discoveries are featured--including seven Egyptian-style statues believed to represent Cleopatra, and two portraits probably commissioned while she was living in Rome with Julius Caesar. The book also examines interpretations of Cleopatra from the Renaissance to modern times, as seen in paintings, ceramics, jewelry, plays, operas, and film. In addition, recent archaeological finds from Alexandria (Cleopatra's capital) and from Rome illustrate aspects of life in Cleopatra's day.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE:

http: //www.palazzoruspoli.it Palazzo Ruspoli, Rome
October 12, 2000-February 25, 2001

http: //www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk The British Museum, London
April 12-August 28, 2001

http: //www.fmnh.org The Field Museum, Chicago
October 20, 2001-March 2, 2002

About the Author

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Susan Walker is Deputy Keeper in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the British Museum. She is the author of Roman Art and Greek and Roman Portraits and the coauthor of Ancient Faces: Mummy Portraits from Roman Egypt. Peter Higgs is Curator in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the British Museum.