The image of Cleopatra is a bold choice for a tattoo. A Cleopatra tattoo may symbolize power, feminism, or beauty. It can also represent qualities such as leadership, intelligence, and seduction.
In this article, we’ll look at the symbolism of a Cleopatra tattoo and why people choose this image.
Who Was Cleopatra?
Cleopatra was one of the most famous female rulers of all time. She lived from 69 BCE to 30 BCE. Cleopatra’s name means “glory of her father.” Though she was born in Alexandria, Egypt, it is believed that she was of Greek descent.
After her father died in 51 BCE, Cleopatra took the throne as Queen of Egypt. She ruled for 21 years, sometimes alone and other times with her brothers or her son.
Though many believed that she died after being bitten by a venomous snake, Cleopatra actually died by suicide. She may have used the poison from a snake to take her own life, though this is not clear.
Cleopatra Tattoos
The majority of Cleopatra tattoos are done in black and gray, though the occasional color tattoo is seen. Women and men both choose tattoos with her image, though often for different reasons.
Women tend to like Cleopatra tattoos because they represent feminism and leadership. Men are drawn to the idea of her beauty and seductive charm.
Tattoos of Cleopatra typically show her with shoulder-length dark hair and bangs, along with a royal diadem or crown. Particular attention can be given to the design on the crown as well as the beading in her hair.
Artwork of Cleopatra
Since she was such an esteemed leader and also known for her seductive charm, much artwork of Cleopatra has been created. In addition to statues, busts, and paintings, there are also engravings and coins featuring her image.
One famous painting is the 1620 Cleopatra which depicts one theory of what her suicide entailed, using a snake for its poison. This piece of art was created by the Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi.
Another popular artwork is the Bust of Cleopatra which is made of granite and was discovered in Alexandria, Egypt. This bust is part of the Ancient Egypt exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada.
Cleopatra in Popular Culture
There have been many movies, television series, and plays created based on the life of Cleopatra. Books and operas have also been inspired by this famous leader. She has even had an asteroid and a beauty line named after her.
One of the most famous movies about her life is the 1963 Cleopatra, featuring Elizabeth Taylor. It also stars Rex Harrison as Julius Caesar and Richard Burton as Mark Antony. The film is one of the most expensive ever made and it received nine Academy Awards.
Antony and Cleopatra is a play that was written by Shakespeare and originally performed in the early 1600s. Since that time, many famous theaters have held productions of this play, including the Royal National Theatre in London, England and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Ancient Egypt
Cleopatra is one of the most well-known historical figures from Ancient Egypt and possibly the most famous female of this time. Many people, scholars and laypeople alike, enjoy learning about this time period and the people who lived then.
Those who have an interest in studying the history and culture of Ancient Egypt may choose to get a Cleopatra tattoo. This may be one of many tattoos the person has that are related to this time period.
Power and Leadership
Cleopatra was a powerful woman who reigned as a leader for over two decades. After becoming Queen, she had to deal with many challenging issues like drought and famine in her country.
She had character and charisma that helped her become a respected leader among the people. For over 20 years, Cleopatra was able to gain the admiration of those she ruled.
A tattoo of Cleopatra might be chosen to represent a person’s desire for power in their own life. They may view her as a role model and aspire to have the same type of leadership qualities that she did.
Feminism
At a time when women were not always given opportunities to succeed, Cleopatra was able to become one of the most powerful female leaders. Because of her position as a leader, she is often viewed as a good example of a woman achieving great success.
Women and men who align themselves with the feminist ideology may opt for a tattoo of this powerful female. This tattoo can represent a person’s belief that women should be treated equally in society and that women are just as capable as men of accomplishing great things.
Seduction and Beauty
In addition to her leadership, Cleopatra is also famous for her seductive powers. Much has been written about her appearance, with many claiming that she was not traditionally beautiful and modern-day depictions are inaccurate.
Despite her unconventional looks, including a jutting chin and hooked nose, she was able to seduce men. She had romantic relationships with Roman generals Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Cleopatra is sometimes called a femme fatale, a woman who uses her seductive charms to lure men into dangerous situations. Mark Antony had an affair with her despite being married and he died by suicide with the mistaken belief that Cleopatra was dead.
A tattoo of Cleopatra may represent a person’s admiration for the ways in which she was able to tempt and persuade her lovers. It could also symbolize an individual’s appreciation for unconventional beauty.
Intelligence
Her intelligence is another characteristic that Cleopatra is well-known for. She was able to speak several languages, including Greek, Arabic, and Hebrew. She was also very well-educated and studied topics like astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy.
A Cleopatra tattoo can symbolize a person’s respect for continuous learning and study. It may speak to the individual’s own scholarship and intelligence. The tattoo can also represent women’s interests and abilities in traditionally male-dominated subject areas.
Featured image by DomCarterTattoo, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0