Cleopatra, black basalt, The State Hermitage, St Petersburg
Photo courtesy of The British Museum
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Cleopatra of Egypt: From History To Myth
ENGLAND
LONDON • The British Museum • Ongoing
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Cleopatra was born in Alexandria around 70 BC. She was the daughter of the King of Egypt and a member of the Ptolemic dynasty that had ruled the land for 300 years. In her dealings with the great Roman leaders of that time, she sought to preserve the Ptolemic Dynasty and the status of Egypt as a world power. Despite her great intellectual charm and strength, she was portrayed by the Romans as an evil seductress. In fact, they feared Cleopatra who had stolen the heart of two of the most powerful Roman leaders. Colossal sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, coins, gems and even caricatures trace Cleopatra VII's life and liaisons with the two great Roman leaders of the day, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Newly identified images of Cleopatra will feature allongside Hellenistic and Roman representations. The myth of Cleopatra is traced to the present day through paintings, ceramics, jewellery, plays, opera and cinema. The exhibition will travel to The Field Museum, Chicago (20 October 2001 - 3 March 2002).
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Tel: (44) 20 73 23 87 83
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