In 1876, a New York artist sculpted Cleopatra’s death; 100 years later, it was found as a horse’s gravestone

Edmonia Lewis, a trailblazing artist of mixed heritage, crafted the striking sculpture The Death of Cleopatra in 1876, which initially garnered accolades.

However, the piece disappeared for many years, only to be found in an unsuspecting salvage yard.

Faced with systemic discrimination, Lewis relocated to Rome for greater artistic prospects.