Object of the Day – Response #3
Ashante K. Charles
Ms. Johansson
Monday, October 1st, 2018
Chapter Three: Prehistoric Art (49-70)
The Nebamun Hunting Birds in the Marshes
The Nebamun Hunting Birds in the Marshes is my chosen object of study, this artwork was discovered in the tomb of Nebamun as a wall painting and later exhibited at the British Museum of London. This wall painting is an attribute of Egyptian royal artwork, and a group by the name of the Eighteenth-Dynasty were given the task of designing the wall of the tomb. Out of several catacombs, this particular tomb represented the Tombs of The Elite. This conveyed that the tombs were inspired and created for the depictions of royal figures, which the creators were devoted to. The painting consists of significant illustrations through the elaborate textures and (warm and cool) colors displayed. Nebamun presents an era of illustration with symbols, animals and important figures that tell a story visually. Carvers were developing remarkable skills technically, and the textures indicate their attentiveness to detail throughout the process of the painting. The artists’ crafted this art with the movement that is demonstrated through an intense interaction with wildlife and the human figures as they intertwine and make contact with one another. It is obvious to acknowledge the position of the male figure in the center through his stance which conveys himself as a hunter, his enlargement signifies that he is above the other figures in the painting along with his embellished garments, establishing royalty. As his arms lengthen and grasp around the birds and dangerous reptile symbolizes his boldness, strength, and bravery. This painting manifests the emergence of portraiture with the element of family values.
If I were to describe this painting in one word it would be lavish. This painting depicts the essence of beautiful chaos, the artifact is visually compelling as it is immensely occupied with detail, it’s impossible not to draw your attention. People can acknowledge how loyal these artists were at crafting royalty to a great level of sophistication.
A few questions that have surfaced through my examination are, what do the symbols convey behind the male figure? Was hunting Nebamun’s only form of leisure? Why does the painting consist an abundance of feathered or winged creatures? Why is Nebamun’s and his wife Hatshepsut’s attention directed to the left except for their daughter who is facing the right? Does Hatshepsut’s usually carry her husband’s weapons during hunts? as seen in the artwork. What art tools were used to create these small-scale details of texture and relief? Are these animals preying each other as Nebamun’s hunts them? Why are all the creatures located on the left rather than all around him? Lastly, did the tomb only encompass illustrations of Nebamun?
