Paris, France — She was the last sovereign of Ancient Egypt, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty and among the greatest figures in history. Cleopatra ruled over her country, shrewdly, for 20 years bringing it prosperity, peace and creating the legend of Cleopatra, a universal icon who existed in real life. One of the most intriguing exhibitions held in Paris over the course of the last year explored the legends that have contributed to her fame. The show at the Institut du Monde Arabe, entitled The Cleopatra Mystery, brings together paintings, sculptures, prints, manuscripts, artefacts, coins and our focus here, jewelry, all delving into the mythical but very real Egyptian ruler, who because of the scarcity of historical sources remains somewhat of an enigma.

Ancient Egypt produced jewelry and fine objects for over 4,000 years, a production enriched by the culture’s firm belief in the afterlife and preparations for it, including fine objects to be buried with the deceased to accompany then in their life beyond. Beads, colorful gemstones and glass, finely worked gold, silver, animal motifs like the scarab and protective amulets were worn by all classes of Ancient Egyptian society. The Cleopatra show in on until January 11th but the Institut du Monde Arabe has in its rich permanent collections amulets and seals from Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. Institut du monde arabe (the Arab World Institute).1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris. +33 (0)1 40 51 38 38 http://www.imarabe.org