Bust of Cleopatra

This bust captures Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, with a striking intensity. Her gaze is direct and powerful, framed by an elaborate hairstyle that includes a cobra diadem, a symbol of royalty and divine authority. The choice of Parian porcelain, a fine, unglazed bisque ceramic that mimics the look of marble, gives her skin a luminous, almost ethereal quality. This material was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its ability to render delicate details and its smooth, matte finish. The sculptor, Isaac Broome, created this work in 1914, well into his later career, demonstrating a continued interest in classical subjects and the expressive potential of porcelain. The bust invites us to consider the enduring fascination with Cleopatra, a figure often depicted as both a formidable ruler and a captivating beauty.