The Ptolemaic Fusion of Greek and Egyptian Art
The Ptolemaic Fusion of Greek and Egyptian Art
Cleopatra VII as the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty in ancient Egypt was instrumental in the fusion of Greek and Egyptian cultures. Her patronage of the arts the use of language and the blending of Greek and Egyptian civilizations are evident in her bas-reliefs in the style of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and later oil paintings reflecting Western artists of the first Ptolemaic dynasty who were fluent in ancient Egyptian. Her work bridged Greek and Egyptian beliefs creating examples of a fusion of Greek sculpture while retaining a distinct Greek artistic influence.
A partial female head sculpture from ancient Egypt. This object is made of limestone and was created during the Late Period to the Ptolemaic Period approximately 400–200 BC.
Hellenistic art in the heart of Alexandria where she was recognized as a ruling goddess blended the elegant beauty of a Greek Hellenistic queen complete with headdresses and long wigs. She appears in Greek-Roman style marble sculptures bas-reliefs in the style of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and later oil paintings by Western artists reflecting both beauty and elegance. Some works depict her as the Egyptian goddess Isis.
The ruins of a Roman theater in Alexandria, Egypt. The structure shown in the image is the odeon amphitheater seating area of the Kom el-Dikka archaeological site. This ancient monument is over 2,000 years old and is one of the most important Roman architectural achievements in Egypt.
Cleopatra VII is considered the last queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty a Macedonian dynasty that ruled Egypt until the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. Distinguished for its fusion of Greek and Egyptian cultures Alexandria served as a crucial link to the Roman Empire. The city's center under the rule of Cleopatra VII is aided by the discovery of a large underground tunnel near the Temple of Taposiris Magna believed to potentially lead to a lost tomb and the true cause of her death.
