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Secondary sourcePainting1515–50

Cleopatra

Hans Sebald Beham · 1515–50

A 1515–50 engraving by Hans Sebald Beham portraying Cleopatra, held by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Another Renaissance engraving imagining Cleopatra's appearance long after her lifetime.

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Engraving portrait of Cleopatra.
Hans Sebald Beham, Cleopatra, engraving, 1515–50. Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this source

What it is

This is an engraving made between 1515 and 1550 by the German artist Hans Sebald Beham. It portrays Cleopatra and is now held by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Why it matters

Like other Renaissance images of Cleopatra, this print was made long after her lifetime and reflects how European artists of the period imagined and represented her, rather than offering an actual likeness. It is part of a wider tradition of artists returning again and again to her story.

Look closer

  • What choices might an artist make when portraying a historical figure they never saw?
  • Why do you think Cleopatra remained a popular subject for artists centuries after her death?
  • How does this image compare to other depictions of Cleopatra made around the same time?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Cleopatra on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Close-up photo of a brownish papyrus sheet with dark ink lines of Greek handwriting in columns, torn edges, and a dark background showing through a split down the middle.Document

Primary source

Papyrus with Signature of Cleopatra VII

Ptolemaic scribe; possibly countersigned by Cleopatra VII · February 33 BCE

Hand-coloured aquatint titled Baths of Cleopatra, at Alexandria. A rocky coastal scene with a curved sandy inlet in the foreground, stone steps and a small arched doorway, a hill with ruined structures behind, and sailing boats on the sea. Figures in turbans and robes stand on the shore and sit in a rowboat.Painting

Secondary source

Baths of Cleopatra, at Alexandria

Luigi Mayer · 1802

Sepia-toned photograph of a white marble seated statue of Cleopatra by William Wetmore Story. She sits on a plinth engraved with the name CLEOPATRA, head resting on her raised hand, wearing a veil and draped robe, against a stone wall.Sculpture

Secondary source

Cleopatra

William Wetmore Story

Photograph of a white marble bust of a woman's head and upper neck, turned to the viewer's right. Wavy hair is combed over the forehead, a smooth bun sits at the back, and the hair shows a pinkish-brown discoloration. Light gray wall behind.Sculpture

Primary source

Portrait of Cleopatra (Berlin Bust)

c. 40-30 BCE

Marble sculpture of a woman's head and upper neck, shown in three-quarter view on a black stand against a brick wall. The hair is pulled back under a band with a knot at the top and a braided bun at the back. The face is calm with straight brows, a long nose, and closed lips. The bust is cut off at the base.Sculpture

Primary source

Head-Portrait of Cleopatra VII (Vatican Bust)

c. 40-30 BCE

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