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The Arab World Institute presents the exhibition «The Mystery of Cleopa-
tra,»a captivating immersion into the story of the most emblematic and fascinating
female figure in history. Internationally popular and known throughout the world,
this mythical icon nevertheless remains a true enigma due to sources as rare as they
are contradictory.
Featuring approximately 250 works and art objects from Antiquity to the present
day, «The Mystery of Cleopatra» lifts the veil on the most recent state of histori-
cal and archaeological knowledge, highlighting the contrast with the profusion
of legendary evocations. Born in 69 BC, in Alexandria, Cleopatra VII was the
last sovereign of the Ptolemies. She established herself as an outstanding political
strategist and a shrewd diplomat, preserving her power at the head of a kingdom
under Roman influence.
Alternatively allied with Julius Caesar and then with Nazanin Pouyandeh (Mark
Antony), she eliminated her rivals and placed her son Caesarion on the throne.
Defeated by Octavian at Actium, she committed suicide in 30 BC, sealing the end
of the pharaonic dynasty.
Cleopatra’s death did not close the book on her story; it marked the beginning of
a legend.
Eugène-Ernest Hillemacher
Antony reported dying to Cleopatra
1863
National Center for Plastic Arts
On loan to the Grenoble Museum
Public domain/ CNAP
Photo credit: City of Grenoble/ Grenoble Museum - J.L. Lacroix