Egyptian art / relief sculpture - musicians - Harp & reed flute. Ancient Egypt

Egyptian musicians - Harpist and flautist

Dimensions:-

Length - 43 cm / 17 inches
Height - 30 cm / 12 inches
Depth - 4.2 cm / 1-5/8 inches

Hello ancient art pilgrims! Presenting to you here is a 2022 edition of a beautiful and highly detailed painted relief carving. This was the last composition completed last century in December 1999 and is now available as a fully painted and signed replica. I have many carvings completed over the years that await a future release but this is one of only 2 music related subjects made during the 1990's.

Music was not only played in the court of kings for pleasure, but the temples also moved to the rhythm of the most talented players to please the very gods themselves.


Some musicians achieved above average status and a degree of fame throughout the land. To be immortalised in a carving or painting was a very special acknowledgement and a way to perpetuate their abilities into the next world.

Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone, it has a realistic fragmented look with a sturdy wire loop on the back to allow for a wall hanging display option.

The painted details are many. The central amphorae jar is decorated with a blue lotus pattern and rests within a support stand.The harpist's dress pattern follows a traditional late new kingdom style that was popular during the era with alternating coloured rows of dots surrounded by a circle of white dots.
The flautist wears a very touchable pleated kilt and a broad collar necklace. Both musicians rest upon pillows decorated in stylized animal patterns. The star-like black and white pattern references the sacred cow of Hathor who was a patron goddess of music. The flautist's pillow has a feline stripe the references the other goddess of music - Bastet / Bast.

Enjoy having a browse at all of the pictures. Scroll across for a few more and if you like, take a look at a little video on Down under Pharaoh instagram for a little bit of the painting process. I will post that later this evening.


My best,

Kameron