The Death of Cleopatra by Edmonia Lewis (Interpretation and Analysis)

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The Death of Cleopatra
Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Due to the rise of the Romantic movement and a surge of interest in Egyptian artifacts, the Pharaoh Cleopatra was a popular subject in nineteenth century art. However, there is perhaps no more impactful image of Cleopatra than Edmonia Lewis’ sculpture of the pharaoh, entitled The Death of Cleopatra.

The Death of Cleopatra portrays Cleopatra’s suicide by asp bite, a popular scene in mythological art. While most artists chose to portray Cleopatra before she succumbed to the poison, Lewis depicts her in death, lying slumped in her throne. Cleopatra is commonly a highly sexualized figure in art, but Lewis’ version of the pharaoh retains her queenly elegance. Even in death, Cleopatra is commanding and dignified, draped in the pharaonic regalia. The realism of the piece received both praise and criticism when it was initially displayed, but today The Death of Cleopatra is recognized as one of the finest examples of American sculpture.

Lewis is one of the most important sculptors in American history. Not only was Lewis a gifted and talented artist who executed many major works, she is commonly known as the first professional African-American and Native-American sculptor. Lewis, who had Afro-Haitian and Ojibwe ancestry, faced an uphill battle to gain recognition for her work. Her early career and education were dogged by incidents of racism and discrimination. However, she eventually rose to prominence after moving to Rome. Today, Lewis work is recognized for its sensitivity, originality, and boundary-breaking style.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.

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