Cleopatra of Egypt: From History to Myth

Ewing, NJ: Princeton University, 2001. Book. New. Cloth. First Edition. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Ewing, NJ, Princeton University, 2001. First edition. 4to. Gray cloth with gilt lettering embossed on spine, light blue endpapers, illustrated in color and black and white throughout, 384 pp. 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 BC. This lavishly illustrated catalogue, with 364 color plates and 261 black and white figures, explores how she was depicted during her own era in works ranging from coins to life-size sculpture. Among several new discoveries here are 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 in paintings, ceramics, jewelry, plays, operas, and film. "There is enough evidence here of Cleopatra's own image creation to demonstrate that, if we find her hard to know, it is not only because the truth about her has been overlaid by 2,000 years worth of erotic and racist fantasy, but because she herself was such a protean and ingenious self publicist."-Times Literary Supplement (London) New in a new dust jacket, protected by a mylar cover..