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Primary sourceSculpturec. 40-30 BCE

Head-Portrait of Cleopatra VII (Vatican Bust)

c. 40-30 BCE

A marble head likely carved while Cleopatra was staying in Rome with Julius Caesar.

Likely carved during Cleopatra's stay in Rome, documenting her presence and image there.

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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.
Portrait of Cleopatra VII, Roman artwork, 40-30 BCE. Vatican Museums, Gregorian Profane Museum.

About this source

What it is

This marble head and upper neck sculpture is dated to around 40-30 BCE and is held in the Gregoriano Profano Museum in the Vatican. It shows a woman with hair pulled back under a band, tied in a braided bun.

Why it matters

This portrait was likely made while Cleopatra was staying in Rome with Julius Caesar, between 46 and 44 BCE. It is evidence that her image circulated in the Roman capital itself, showing how Romans represented a foreign queen who was deeply entangled in their politics.

Look closer

  • What does the calm, composed expression suggest about how the sculptor wanted Cleopatra to be seen?
  • Why might a portrait of Cleopatra have been made in Rome rather than in Egypt?
  • What questions can't this sculpture answer about Cleopatra's actual personality?

This sculpture 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

Stone wall carving at an ancient Egyptian temple showing figures in traditional pharaonic poses and dress.Artifact

Primary source

Dendera Temple Relief of Cleopatra and Caesarion

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