Antony & Cleopatra

I created this theoretical makeup design for Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra.

Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra explores themes of power, identity, and perception, most notably in the contrast between the Roman and Egyptian characters. This contrast is visually reinforced through the distinct visual differences between the two groups in the makeup design. The Egyptians’ gold makeup incorporates historical styles, thick liner inspired by kohl makeup and a unibrow shape, and contemporary styles, in the gold shimmer color. These elements embrace ornamentation reflective of the playful and opulent characterisation of the egyptians. In contrast, the Romans remain strictly historical, emphasizing their discipline and rigidity. This distinction highlights the cultural divide and the differing approaches to power. Cleopatra’s makeup reflects her enigmatic presence. Inspired by anti-facial recognition techniques, block shapes and bold colors distort her features, symbolizing how her identity is shaped by perception rather than physical markers. Her gold brows became a recurring motif among the Egyptians, reinforcing her cultural influence. While the Egyptians maintain a unified visual identity, the Romans lack a singular ruler’s face, reinforcing the uncertainty of power transfer in their ranks as many different men come and go from power.