Cleopatra is famous for her involvement with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony at the time the Roman republic was transitioning into an empire. She is even more famous because of her suicide by an Asp biting her breast -- this being the subject of many paintings of her, breasts and drama being irresistible for many painters.
She was famous in her time for her beauty and charm that captivated Rome's mightiest men. Yet we do not know exactly what she looked like. The Wikipedia link above contains some images and speculation, and here is an example of further speculation.
The images below are mostly paintings by late-nineteenth century artists. That was a period when subjects from Classical times were popular..
Most speculation centers on her nose. It was prominent, but its shape varies from coin to coin. Despite what some have claimed, Cleopatra was not "African," being a descendent of a Greek officer who claimed the Egyptian part of Alexander the Great's empire upon the latter's death.
An example of an 18th century depiction by a famous artist. Tiepolo, as he often did, used the face of a favorite model to depict Cleopatra. As was also common before the 19th century, he has her dressed in contemporary garments.
This is a comparatively recent depiction. Cleopatra's lipstick is very-1946, as is her eye and eyebrow makeup. Female beauty standards seem to be time-dependent.
An example of the Cleopatra death scene.
Cleopatra working out suicide details.
Perhaps a study for the painting in the previous image.
Gérôme made many Orientalist paintings, so this must have been an easy variation. His version of Caesar in the background seems odd -- especially the pose and the long neck.
An example of a 19th century non-suicide view of Cleopatra.
Tadama tried more than most artists to portray Classical settings as accurately as data allowed.
A psychological study of the queen perhaps contemplating suicide.
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