Antieke buste van Cleopatra Selene II 1678

Etienne Baudet created this print of an antique bust of Cleopatra Selene II. Prints like this circulated widely in the 17th and 18th centuries. The classical world held a particular fascination for European aristocracy, who saw it as a reflection of their own power and cultural values. Cleopatra Selene II, daughter of the famed Cleopatra and Marc Antony, occupied a unique position in history, bridging Egyptian, Roman, and African cultures. She became queen of Mauretania, modern day Algeria and Morocco, highlighting the interconnectedness of these ancient societies. Baudet's print is interesting because it exists at the intersection of identity, power, and representation. The bust captures an idealized version of Cleopatra Selene, filtered through a European lens, thereby raising questions about authenticity and cultural appropriation. The print invites us to consider how classical images continue to shape our perceptions of identity, power, and beauty.