Large Egyptian Hand-Painted Papyrus of Winged Goddess Isis

Details

Description

Exceptionally decorative large Egyptian hand-painted papyrus depicting the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis with her magnificent wings outstretched, surrounded by hieroglyphic … Read more Exceptionally decorative large Egyptian hand-painted papyrus depicting the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis with her magnificent wings outstretched, surrounded by hieroglyphic inscriptions and cartouches and richly decorated in red, turquoise, blue, green, black and extensive gilt detailing.

Isis was one of ancient Egypt's most important deities, associated with motherhood, magic, healing, rebirth and protection; her great outstretched wings are particularly associated with her protective role. The painting is executed directly upon natural papyrus, retaining its wonderfully irregular fibrous edges, and is beautifully presented floating against a black ground within a slender gilt frame. This piece appears to date from the late 1970s/early 1980s and is of the type associated with the extraordinary revival of Egyptomania surrounding the international Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibitions. The celebrated exhibition had begun at the British Museum in 1972, where nearly 1.7 million people attended, before travelling internationally. Its American tour ran from 1976–1979, displaying treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb in Washington, Chicago, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York and San Francisco before continuing to Canada and West Germany. More than six million people saw the American exhibition alone, and the phenomenon became known as “Tutmania”. Contemporary records confirm that an unusually extensive range of exhibition-related decorative objects, prints, reproductions and souvenirs was produced and sold in connection with the tour. Although we have no surviving documentation to establish that this particular papyrus was officially commissioned for the exhibition, its subject, quality and apparent period make the association particularly interesting. The detailed hand-painted decoration, extensive gold-coloured embellishment and large format distinguish it from the more basic Egyptian tourist papyri commonly encountered. Presented in good vintage condition with natural variations and irregularities to the handmade papyrus as photographed, it is a wonderfully atmospheric decorative work from the period when Tutankhamun once again captured the imagination of millions around the world

Dimensions Height: 68.5cm Width: 125cm Depth: 2cm See less