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Cleopatra

 

Between Aesthetics and Historical Accuracy: Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra

An actor’s appearance can sometimes influence the historical authenticity of a character. A well-known example is Elizabeth Taylor in her iconic role as Cleopatra. Her costumes and styling, meant to portray the queen of ancient Egypt, are not historically accurate but serve another purpose: to brilliantly emphasize the opulence and commanding presence of the lead character. Costume choices in films often balance historical accuracy and artistic expression. In Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra, the decision was made to adapt the character’s clothing to the aesthetic preferences of the time. The lavish and colorful outfits adorned with gold and jewels may not reflect what Cleopatra actually wore but instead embody the luxury, power, and allure associated with the historical figure.