Cleopatra - 2019

Cleopatra VII was the last Pharaoh of Egypt.  She came from the Greek Ptolemy line which took control of Egypt after the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great.  Cleopatra adopted and continued with the Egyptian traditions. 

She knew 10 languages fluently and was educated in art, science, philosophy, astronomy, etc.  It is estimated that her IQ was 180.  Although there are no depictions of her except stylized wall carvings and some on coins, a small head which depicts her as plain; the identity of her appearance is uncertain. 

She must have been attractive, however, to have been able to capture the love of two leading Romans – Julius Caesar and Mark Antony – both of whom she had children with – one child from Caesar and three from Mark Antony, whom she married.  Her rule came to an end following the naval battle of Actium, after which Octavius invaded Egypt.  Mark Antony, hearing that Cleopatra was dead, attempted to commit suicide by falling on his sword.  He then learned that Cleopatra was not dead, and he was taken by litter to Cleopatra and died in her presence.  Cleopatra then committed suicide using a poisonous snake called an asp to end her life.  It is likely that the snake was a Puff Adder, the most venomous snake in the world as the bite of the asp would hardly prove fatal.  She did not wish to be marched through Rome as a trophy of conquest but preferred suicide instead.  Octavius had Cleopatra and Antony buried together, and their burial site has never been located. 

This painting of Cleopatra created by Grant R. Fairbanks, M.D. was inspired by a previous illustration of Cleopatra in the reclining posture, adorned with her regalia in a partial copy.  She considered herself to be the personification of the God Isis (Goddess of Love), but above her throne is the red spherical disc of the Sun God, Ammon Ra.  This painting can be available as a copy on canvas, or giclée.