An Eternal Bouquet for the Dead
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
On View: 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
This relief of an elaborate floral bouquet, to which ducks are bound below a broad-collar necklace, was the left end of a tomb door lintel. At first glance a decorative floral piece, the bouquet is actually a symbol of life. All its elements are symbols of fertility and regeneration. The necklace symbolizes protection, and the bound ducks the control of malign forces that might threaten the dead. Related Late Period reliefs come from northern Egypt and often show, as does this relief, the influence of works from much earlier periods.
MEDIUM
Limestone, pigment
DATES
4th century B.C.E.
PERIOD
Late Period
ACCESSION NUMBER
57.165.1
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Fragment of a limestone relief from the left end of a panel (lintel?). In low relief of exceptional quality, a 'formal bouquet' of lotus flowers and buds, papyrus and corn flowers, wsh necklace and two ducks pinioned to a bundle of reeds. Left end and upper edge enclosed within border. Baseline preserved.
Condition: Right side of relief badly eroded by sand. Numerous chips on worked surface. Remains of light red paint in one place on upper border.
CAPTION
An Eternal Bouquet for the Dead, 4th century B.C.E. Limestone, pigment, H: 30.3cm; W: 17cm. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 57.165.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.57.165.1_wwg8.jpg)
IMAGE
installation, West Wing gallery 8 installation,
CUR.57.165.1_wwg8.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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