Cleopatra VII Philopator

Every country has had their share in important kings, leaders, or queens. These reasons vary depending on the position they held but for the most part the characteristics and traits are similar. The three leaders are form different civilizations, cultural and family background. In each one of the artworks representing the leader, the artist felt it was essential the art speaks for the leader’s life and their contributions.

Cleopatra VII Philopator was an important aspect to the Egyptian dynasty and known as one of the most famous female ruler. She became ruler at the age of eighteen years old after her father Ptolemy XII Auletes died. Egyptian tradition focused her and her ten year old brother to share the role of pharaoh when she took the throne( Bio). Tension being to arise between the two and Cleopatra fled to Syria in hope of starting an army of mercenaries to help take her throne. Her alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony showed how she was able to use her beautiful charm (Fiero). She was a well educated woman that was able to speak multiple languages. This allowed her to gain recognition and become a powerful leader.

The statue of Cleopatra VII Philopator is

made of black basalt. It is one of the most pristine images of Cleopatra. The statue is life size wearing a form fitting dress that describes her womanly features. She has a headdress with a royal snake on it. This snake is symbolic to Egyptians meaning royalty. Her fist is tightly closed directly by her side and she is standing with her right foot slightly in font (“History Lists”). In her other hand she holds ankh; ancient hieroglyph meaning life (“History List”). Cleopatra stance is just like the male pharaohs before her. This position shows dominance and power. The artists wanted to show Cleopatra as a powerful leader but also recognized her womanhood.
Leonidas I was the king of Spartan from 530 BC to 480 BC (Leonidas). He became king after his older brother died without having a male heir to pass the throne to. When Leonindas took the position as the king he gained a significant role of commander over the Spartan army. Spartan kings were always expected to the leader marching first into battle and the absolute last warrior to retreat. Hoplite warriors were armed with an oval shaped shield, shortened sword, and a lengthy spear. He had been instilled with the dominant traits of being a warrior. Since he was a child he had endured years of vigorous physical and mentally training for preparation to become a hoplites warrior. His exposure to such strenuous training made him one of the finest commanders of the Spartan army (Leonidas).
A lion statue was crafted and placed at the site where the battle Thermopylae was fought in memory of King Leonidas I. The statue was a token of gratitude for the king’s sacrifice. Two notes were written on the statue. The lion was considered also a chief priest for the Spartan. Religion was a main reason in building this statue. Although it wasn’t an image of King Leonidas I it was a symbolic image that represented King Leonidas (History.com).
Yue Fei was a military general who lived in Song Dynasty in China. He is known for his military successes along with his highly praise ethical standards (Stories and History”). After he received his elderly mother’s blessing he went off to battle against the Jurchens that were invading China. Yue Fei symbolized hope during China’s difficult time when he became a general. He showed bravery on and off the battle field, protecting innocent people and glorifying his soldiers. When his army passed through towns his soldiers were forbidden to take advantage of the townsmen.
Yue Fei was given a tomb for his life. The general had been accused of false charges and placed in prison where he later was poisoned. Emperor Xiaozong called for the project of Yue Fei tomb (The temple was first built during the Song Dynasty. A statue of Yue Fei was placed outside the temple. He is dressed in his uniform and armor to depict his position as serving as general. In the statue he is sitting on a chair with his sword handle in his right hand.
The artists for these three statue felt very highly of their leader or general.

The three of the statue were crafted to show honor. When looking at the art you can see the power. The symbols of Cleopatra right foot placed ahead, the animal lion, and Yue Fei dressed in his uniform shows power. Queen Cleopatra and General Yue Fei both have statues resembling them compared to King Leonidas statue being a lion. It seems like the Spartans built the lion for Leonidas for more religious reason. All three were during difference centuries and areas. King Leonidas I and General Yue Fei statue were created after they had died and served for more of a memorial statue. In statue after their deaths and recent statue of powerful figures they still remain to have some symbolic stance, item, or uniform

on.
Cleopatra, King Leonidas I, and General Yue Fei were influential leaders. They all put their people needs before themselves resulting in creating statue in honor of them. Unfortunately King Leonidas I statue isn’t around anymore but it still held its purpose. The artist artwork clearly spoke for itself through the details distributed through the statue.
"10 Most Distinguished Works of Ancient Egyptian Art." History Lists. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2015. .
Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2015. .
"Cleopatra." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2015. .
"The Great General Yue Fei." - Stories from Chinese History. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2015. .
"Leonidas." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2015. .
"Leonidas I Facts." Leonidas I Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Dec. 2015. .