The death of Cleopatra 1876

Edmonia Lewis created "The Death of Cleopatra" in marble, a material that lends itself to both realism and idealization. The sculpture captures Cleopatra in the moment of death, seated on her throne. Notice how Lewis uses the cold, hard stone to convey the stillness and finality of death. Cleopatra's posture is not one of heroic defiance but of defeated collapse. The lines of her body and the folds of her drapery create a composition that leads the eye downward, reinforcing the sense of decline. The use of marble allows for a high level of detail, from the intricate carvings on the throne to the subtle expression on Cleopatra's face. The choice of marble reflects a classical aesthetic, but Lewis subverts this tradition by presenting Cleopatra not as a triumphant queen but as a vulnerable human being. This choice challenges traditional representations of power and femininity. The stark whiteness of the marble against a dark background further emphasizes the isolation and tragedy of Cleopatra's death, inviting ongoing interpretation of its themes.