“The Death of Cleopatra,” a masterful marble sculpture created in 1876 by Edmonia Lewis, stands as a significant work within the Neoclassicism movement. This artwork exemplifies the genre of sculpture and poignantly captures a critical historical moment with profound artistic finesse.
The artwork depicts Cleopatra, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, in her final moments of life. The intricately carved figure of Cleopatra is portrayed seated upon a throne, displaying an expression of serene resignation as she succumbs to fate. The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the delicate drapery of Cleopatra’s attire and the realism of the snake, symbolizing the method of her suicide. The mastery of form and emotional depth rendered in the marble creates a compelling narrative that draws the viewer into this poignant historical event. Lewis’s skilled craftsmanship and adherence to classical aesthetics are strikingly evident in this elegant and evocative piece.
