Wonderful Things Art
Reproduction Ancient Egyptian Artwork by Natalie Watson
Ancient Egyptian Reproductions
My digital reproductions are all based on real Egyptian sites and objects in museums around the world.
Each piece is created digitally using only the original source material to ensure they are as authentic as possible. I do extensive research into the background of the piece’s history before I start, deciphering the symbolism behind the artwork and, where possible, translating the hieroglyphs.
I like to select artwork that isn’t as well known as the great treasures often replicated when telling Egypt’s story, bringing my archaeological perspective to every piece.
Anubis, Isis and Nephthys Inside the Embalming Tent
Tomb of Siptah (KV47), Valley of the Kings
Reproduction of a wall painting from the tomb of Siptah, who ruled c. 1197-1191 BC during Dynasty 19.
Filling the southern end of the second corridor is a vignette of Chapter 151 of the Book of the Dead which contains passages dedicated to the gods and goddesses that reside within the embalming tent. At the centre, the jackal-headed god Anubis acts as the divine embalmer, standing over a lion-headed couch supporting the mummy of the deceased. At the head and foot of the mummy kneel the sister goddesses Isis and Nephthys, who rest their hands on the ‘shen’ emblem of eternity.
Seti I Beneath the Persea Tree
Great Temple of Seti I, Abydos
Reproduction of a wall painting from the Great Temple at Abydos dating to the reign of Seti I in c. 1290-1279 BC (Dynasty 19).
The kneeling figure of Seti holds a jewel out to the god Ptah, who sits in a golden shrine. The symbolism in the cunningly wrought jewel is asking for Seti to be granted millions of jubilees and unending life. Both Ptah and Re-Horakhty are giving their approval for Seti, and writing his name into the leaves of the Persea Tree to grant him eternal life and power.
The Triad of Memphis
Great Harris Papyrus, British Museum
Reproduction of a vignette from the Great Harris Papyrus which recorded the deeds of king Ramesses III in c. 1150 BC (Dynasty 20).
Ramesses stands before the holy family of the ancient city of Memphis: Ptah, the patron of craftsmen, his consort the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet, and their child, Nefertum, god of the lotus. The king is shown making offerings to the resident deities, with hieratic text identifying each of the figures and recording his address to Ptah and the Memphite Triad.
Queen Nefertari Making Offerings to the God Ptah
Tomb of Nefertari (QV66), Valley of the Queens
Reproduction of a wall painting from the tomb of Queen Nefertari, Great Wife of Ramesses II, in the Valley of the Queens dating to Dynasty 19.
In this scene from the west wall of the first eastern annexe, Nefertari is making offerings of linen to the god Ptah, the creator god of weaving and crafts. Whilst it does not feature in the Book of the Dead, this depiction was included to ensure Nefertari would be well provisioned in the afterlife, with the blessing of the god.
Userhat and Nut Beneath a Sycamore Tree
Tomb of Userhat (TT51), Thebes
Adapted reproduction of a painting from the Tomb of Userhat in Thebes, Egypt dating to c. 1270 BC.
In this scene, the deceased Userhat sits with his wife and mother in the shade of a colourful sycamore tree and drink from three golden vessels. Before them is a table laden with offerings of fruit, vegetables and flowers, whilst their souls in the form of Ba-birds fly above their heads.
A Craft Workshop from the Tomb of the Two Sculptors
Tomb of Nebamun and Ipuky TT181, Sheikh-Abd-el-Gournah
Reproduction and partial reconstruction of a wall painting showing a bustling craft workshop from the tomb of Nebamun and Ipuky dating to Dynasty 18.
The top register shows a group of woodworkers building a catafalque. The middle register shows craftsmen working with gold and precious stones to create beautiful vessels, statues, and jewellery. The bottom register shows craftsmen making and working with metal, as well as specialist tasks such as drilling and carving beads and alabaster.
Anubis Guarding the Entrance to the Tomb of Pashedu
Tomb of Pashedu, Deir el-Medina
Reproduction of a 19th Dynasty tomb painting from the tomb of Tomb of Pashedu in the worker's village of Deir el-Medina.
The corridor to the burial chamber is guarded by a large painting on either wall of the god Anubis in the form of a black jackal, sitting alert on a shrine with cavetto cornices. Since the first dynasty of Egypt’s history in c. 3100 BC, Anubis was being depicted as a protector of graves
The Goddess Hathor and Seti I
Tomb of Seti I, Valley of the Kings
Reproduction of a 19th Dynasty bas-relief from the tomb of Seti I, showing Hathor welcoming the dead pharaoh.
This beautiful relief was part of the decoration of the tomb well-preserved tomb of King Seti I (KV17) in the Valley of the Kings. It depicts the Pharoah, Seti, walking towards the still figure of the goddess Hathor, who played an important role in welcoming the dead to the underworld and accompanying them into the afterlife.
The Feast of Nebamun
Tomb-Chapel of Nebamun, Theban Necropolis
Reproduction of a feasting scene from the 18th Dynasty tomb chapel of Nebamun in Thebes.
The plastered walls of the scribe's tomb were richly and skilfully decorated with lively fresco paintings, depicting idealised views of Nebamun’s life and activities. An entire wall shows a banquet in his honour. Naked serving-girls and servants wait on his friends, colleagues and relatives, who are entertained by musicians and dancers.
The Marsh Bowl
National Museums Liverpool, World Museum
Reproduction of a blue faience bowl found with a large group of vessels in a tomb in Abydos dating to Dynasty 18, c. 1550-1292 BC.
It shows a marsh scene with water, fish, and plant motifs that symbolise the themes of fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. Lotus flowers, lotus buds, and papyrus plants are shown being circled by tilapia fish, whilst the wall of the bowl is decorated with swirling water-like patterns.
Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes in the Afterlife
Tomb-Chapel of Nebamun, Theban Necropolis
Reproduction of a tomb painting from the 18th Dynasty tomb chapel of Nebamun.
Nebamun is shown hunting birds in a small boat with his wife Hatshepsut and their young daughter, in the marshes of the Nile. The hieroglyphic caption says Nebamun is "taking enjoyment (and) seeing good things".
The Goddesses Isis and Nephthys Praising Osiris
The Papyrus of Ani, British Museum
Reproduction of a vignette from a 19th Dynasty copy of the Book of the Dead.
The motif symbolises rebirth and the sunrise and shows the sun disc of the god Ra raised into the sky by an ankh-sign (signifying life) and a djed-pillar (signifying stability and the god Osiris). It is being adored by the sister goddesses Isis and Nephthys, and baboons.
The Sky Goddess Nut and the Earth God Geb at the Creation of the World
Papyrus of Nespakashuty, Louvre Museum
Reproduction of a scene from a 21st Dynasty mythological papyrus.
The vignette illustrates the story of the separation of the sky (Nut) and earth (Geb) and the creation of the world. The solar boat, with its rudder, sails across the space between the two deities.
The Winged Goddess Isis from Tutankhamun's Sarcophagus Shrine
Tomb of Tutankhamun, Valley of the Kings
Reproduction of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, with protective wings outstretched, taken from the golden shrine of Tutankhamun dating to 1324 BC.
The hieroglyphics surrounding the goddess are spells from the Book of the Dead and Tutankhamun’s various names and titles are given in cartouches.
The Weighing of the Heart in the Presence of the Gods in the Underworld
Papyrus of Ani, British Museum
Reproduction of a scene from the Book of the Dead, taken from the Papyrus of Ani dating from c. 1250 BC.
It depicts Ani during the Weighing of the Heart before the gods in the underworld and contains the spells he’d need to safely pass this judgement.
The Judgement of the Dead by Osiris
Papyrus of Hunefer, British Museum
Reproduction of a vignette from the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, taken from the Papyrus of Hunefer from c. 1450 BC.
It shows the god of the underworld Osiris, flanked by his sisters Isis and Nephthys, listening to the evidence from Hunefer’s judgement and granting him admittance in the afterlife.
Ramesses II as a Child
Bas-relief, Louvre Museum
Reproduction of a bas-relief depicting the Ramesses II in the pose of a child from the New Kingdom.
Ramesses is depicted in the traditional pose of a child, seated on a soft cushion, his finger to his lips, and his head bare except for a braid of hair falling to one side. The cushion reproduces the hieroglyphic sign of the akhet, or horizon.
Anubis Overseeing The Opening of the Mouth Ceremony
Papyrus of Hunefer, British Museum
Reproduction of a vignette from the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, taken from the Papyrus of Hunefer from c. 1450 BC.
The mummy of Hunefer is supported by the god Anubis (or a priest wearing a jackal mask) whilst Hunefer's wife and daughter mourn, and three priests perform rituals. The two priests with white sashes are carrying out the Opening of the Mouth ritual (Spell 22).
The Creation God Atum Repels the Snake God of Chaos Apep
Tomb of Ramesses I, Valley of the Kings
Reproduction of a scene from the ancient Egyptian Book of Gates showing the creation god Atum repelling the serpent of chaos, Apep (Apophis).
The Book of Gates is a funerary text that narrates the passage of a newly deceased soul into the next world, corresponding to the journey of the sun through the underworld during the hours of the night.
Thoth in Baboon Form, Holding the Eye Of Horus
Great Harris Papyrus, British Museum
Reproduction of a detail from a 20th Dynasty hieratic papyrus found in a tomb near Medinet Habu.
Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing, is shown in his baboon form holding an Eye of Horus symbol. This refers to an ancient myth describing a battle between Horus and Set in which Horus´ right eye was torn out. Thoth magically restored Horus' eye, at which point it was given the name “Wadjet” meaning “whole”.
Eye of Ra with Ibis Representing Scribe God Thoth
Papyrus
Reproduction of an Eye of Ra symbol with scribe deity Thoth's emblem, the Ibis bird.
This is taken from a copy of the Ancient Egyptian 'Book of Coming Forth out of Darkness into Light' (Book of the Dead) papyrus from Thebes, dating to around 1070 BC.
Tree of Life
Tomb of Khnumhotep II, Beni Hassan
Reproduction of a tomb painting showing the Tree of Life, a potent symbol and icon in Egyptian mythology. The fruit of the tree was thought to provide eternal life and knowledge of the cycles of time.
This painting can be found in the tomb of provincial governor Khnumhotep II in at Beni Hasan and dates to 1900 BC. It is part of a much larger scene depicting Khnumhotep hunting in the marshes and netting birds.
The Winged Goddess Isis from Tutankhamun's Outer Sarcophagus
Tomb of Tutankhamun, Valley of the Kings
Reproduction of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, with protective wings outstretched, taken from the golden shrine of Tutankhamun dating to 1324 BC.
The hieroglyphics surrounding the goddess are spells from the Book of the Dead and Tutankhamun’s various names and titles are given in cartouches.
The Weighing of the Heart and Judgement by Osiris
Papyrus of Hunefer, British Museum
Reproduction of a vignette from the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, taken from the Papyrus of Hunefer from c. 1450 BC.
It depicts Hunefer during the Weighing of the Heart before the gods in the underworld and contains the spells he’d need to safely pass judgement by Osiris and the gods of the Ennead.
Thoth, Atum and Seshat Celebrating Rameses Under The Persea Tree
Ramesseum, Theban Necropolis
Reconstruction of a partially destroyed wall relief from the Ramesseum, the mortuary temple dedicated to Ramesses II in Thebes dating from the 19th Dynasty.
The scene depicts the deities Atum, Seshat and Thoth inscribing the name of Rameses into the fruit of the persea, the sacred tree of Heliopolis. By doing this the gods are guaranteeing Rameses an everlasting reign and innumerable jubilees.
The Offering Table of Watetkhethor
Mastaba of Mereruka, Saqqara Necropolis
Reproduction of a wall painting in the tomb of Watetkhethor, daughter of king Teti, dating to Dynasty 6 (around 2290 BC).
It shows Watetkhethor seated in front of a table of offerings, whilst servants bring her legs of meat and birds to add to her piles of bread and gifts of flowers. The offering scene was the most important piece of art in an Ancient Egyptian tomb, as it provided the spells necessary for the deceased to continue eating and drinking in the afterlife.
The Pharaoh Seti with Horus, Thoth and the Two Ladies
Temple of Seti I, Abydos
Reproduction of a relief from a chapel in the Temple of Seti I, dating to Dynasty 19 (around 1290–1279 BC).
The king sits between the Two Ladies, the vulture goddess Nekhbet of Upper Egypt, and the cobra goddess Wadjet, her counterpart in Lower Egypt, surrounded by symbols relating to the concept of unity. The ritual unification of the Two Lands is also symbolised by the sema-tawi symbol, combining a knotted papyrus plant representing Upper Egypt and a reed plant representing lower Egypt.
The Heb-Sed Festival of King Den
Tomb of Den, Uum el-Qaab (Abydos)
Reproduction of a label depicting one of the earliest known pharaohs, the Dynasty 1 king Den, as well as some of the earliest hieroglyphs.
It was found in his tomb in Abydos and dates to around 3000 BC. The top register depicts the king running in his Heb Sed festival as well as seated on a throne, whereas the lower register depicts the destruction of enemy strongholds and the taking of captives.
The Scribe Nebqed with Offerings
Papyrus of Nebqed, Musée du Louvre
Reproduction of a vignette from the Book of the Dead created for the royal scribe Nebqed, scribe of Ma'at in the house of Ma'at during the reign of king Amenhotep III around 1400 BC.
Nebqed can be seen wearing standing before a pile of funerary offerings, including bundles of lotus flowers, baskets of fruits and grain, bread, fowl and cuts of meat. He wears a wig with triangular stepped sides, a white linen robe, and a scribal palette is tucked into his belt.
Queen Nefertari and Isis
Tomb of Nefertari QV66, Valley of the Queens
Reproduction of a painting from the tomb of Queen Nefertari, Great Wife of Ramesses II, in the Valley of the Queens dating to Dynasty 19.
In this scene from the northeast wall of the vestibule, Nefertari is being led by the goddess Isis, who says: “By my hand, come, Great Wife of the King, Nefertari Meritenmut, true of voice, to a place in the sacred land”.
The Boy-King Tutankhamun and His Young Wife Ankhesenamun
Tomb of Tutankhamun KV62, Valley of the Kings
Reproduction based on a small panel found on a golden statue shrine known as a Noas found in the treasury room of Tutankhamun’s tomb. It depicts Princess Ankhesenamun sitting with her husband the boy king Tutankhamun, who is pouring fragrant perfume into her hands.
Queen Nefertari, Goddess Isis and Beetle-Headed Sun God Khepri
Tomb of Nefertari QV66, Valley of the Queens
Reproduction of a painting from the tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens dating to Dynasty 19. The Great Wife of Ramesses II is being led by the hand of the goddess Isis towards Khepri, the beetle-headed sun god.
Musicians at the Feast of Nebamun
Tomb-Chapel of Nebamun, Theban Necropolis
Reproduction of a feasting scene from the tomb chapel of Nebamun in Thebes, Egypt, now on display in the British Museum.
It shows a group of female musicians playing instruments, singing and clapping as they perform a song for the feast-goers. The words of the song dedicated to the gods Ptah and Geb are written above their heads.
Baboons Praising the Morning Sun
Unknown findspot, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Reproduction of a relief panel dating to 400–200 BC.
It depicts two baboons offering wedjat eyes to the god Khepri, the newborn sun represented by a beetle. In his front legs, Khepri holds a disk with a star, which is the sign for the Duat or Underworld, and beneath him, there is a sun with rays. The baboons are similar to the baboons often shown heralding the sunrise by dancing and screeching, but here they are associated with the god Thoth by the wedjat (eye) signs they hold.
Singers at the Feast of Nebamun
Tomb-Chapel of Nebamun, Theban Necropolis
Reproduction of a feasting scene from the tomb chapel of Nebamun in Thebes, Egypt, now on display in the British Museum.
It shows a group of female musicians playing instruments, singing and clapping as they perform a song for the feast-goers.
Scribe Neqbed Praising Osiris and Nekhbet in the Afterlife
Papyrus of Nebqed, Musée du Louvre
Reproduction of a vignette from the Book of the Dead created for the royal scribe Nebqed, scribe of Ma'at in the house of Ma'at during the reign of king Amenhotep III around 1400 BC.
Nebqed can be seen wearing standing before a pile of funerary offerings, including bundles of lotus flowers, baskets of fruits and grain, bread, fowl and cuts of meat. He wears a wig with triangular stepped sides, a white linen robe, and a scribal palette is tucked into his belt.
A Prehistoric Hippo Hunt
Unknown findspot, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Reproduction of a prehistoric white cross-lined ware bowl from the Naqada period (c. 3700-3450 BC).
A man wearing a penis-sheath and an animal’s tail can be seen holding two cords attached to harpoons now embedded in the face of the large hippo that faces him. A second smaller hippo, behind the first, shares the same fate. The zig zag patterns represent the landscape the hunt is taking place within.
Musicians at the Feast of Nebamun
Tomb-Chapel of Nebamun, Theban Necropolis
Reproduction of a feasting scene from the tomb chapel of Nebamun in Thebes, Egypt, now on display in the British Museum.
It shows a group of female musicians playing instruments, singing and clapping as they perform a song for the feast-goers.
