The Opening of the Mouth Ceremony Reproduction of a vignette from the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, taken from the Papyrus of Hunefer from c. 1450 BC. Purchase Print About the Artwork 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). Art Ref DP016 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Greeting Card Object Record Object Type Papyrus Materials Date Period Dynasty 18 Findspot Theban Necropolis Dimensions Current Location British Museum Object Number People Depicted Hunefer, Nasha Deities Depicted Anubis Animals Depicted Jackal Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Brothers or Lovers? Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep Reproduction of a tomb painting from the Dynasty 5 Mastaba of Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum. Purchase Print About the Artwork Reproduction of a tomb painting from the Dynasty 5 Mastaba of Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum. On the western wall of the outer hall of their tomb is a striking portrayal of the two men in close embrace, their noses touching in a pose that is the most intimate allowed in Egyptian art. This has led many to speculate on the relationship of the two men; were they brothers? Twins? Lovers? If the latter were true, they would be the first same-sex couple recorded in history. Art Ref DP050 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Object Record Object Type Wall Relief Materials Date Period Dynasty 05 Findspot Mastaba of Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum, Saqqara Necropolis Dimensions Current Location Mastaba of Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum, Saqqara Necropolis Object Number People Depicted Khnumhotep, Niankhkhnum Deities Depicted None Animals Depicted Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

The Scribe Nebqed with Funerary Offerings 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. Purchase Print About the Artwork 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 tucked into his belt. Art Ref DP032 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Object Record Object Type Papyrus Materials Date Period Dynasty 18 Findspot Theban Tomb TT319, Thebes, Theban Necropolis Dimensions Current Location Musée du Louvre Object Number People Depicted Nebqed Deities Depicted None Animals Depicted Cow Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun Amongst the Vines Reproduction of a scene from a casket found in the Tomb of Tutankhamun dating to c. 1336-1327 BC (Dynasty 18). Purchase Print About the Artwork This reproduction features a scene from a casket found in the Tomb of Tutankhamun, dating to c. 1336-1327 BC. Found in the northeast corner of the Annex chamber resting on baskets and wine jars, it is one of 50 chests and boxes discovered in the tomb. Though empty at the time of its discovery, it is believed that this highly decorative piece was used to store clothing, possibly ceremonial garments due to its ornate design. The scene on the casket’s lid is a lush depiction of Tutankhamun and his wife and sister Ankhesenamun, surrounded by a vibrant array of plants. Vines twist around two pillars representing a pavilion, showcasing grapes, lotus flowers, papyrus fronds, and mandrake fruits. The royal couple stand upon a reed mat in with a banner strung up behind them decorated with more fruits and flowers. The king holds out a hand to the flowers being presented to him by Ankhesenamun. Tutankhamun is depicted in an intricate Nubian wig with a royal uraeus or cobra on his forehead. He wears a fine linen kilt, secured with a decorative belt and a red sash and white sandals on his feet. Around his neck is a floral collar and his wrists bear simple jewelled cuff bracelets. He is leaning forward slightly against a walking stick, of which 130 examples were found within the tomb. This has made many speculate that the king suffered from an ailment that affected his gait, although others have suggested that these staves could have been a symbol of authority. Ankhesenamun is similarly dressed in her finest clothes, including a linen dress with tassels that opens at the front to bear her breasts, floral collar, red sash and white sandals. Her wig is also intricately woven, with a long braid made up of groups of three slightly curled strands which are held in place with floral hairbands. She has two uraei on her forehead which are crowned with sun disks and lotus flowers. Upon her head is a headdress which taken the form of platform shrine bearing a perfume cone and two more uraeus. Translation: Above Tutankhamun “The good god, lord of the two lands, Nebkheperure, Tutankhamun heqa Iunu shemai (The living image of Amun, ruler of southern Heliopolis), [given life] like Ra." Translation: Above Ankhesenamun "Great royal wife, lady of the two lands, Ankhesenamun (Her life belongs to Amun), she lives." Art Ref DP109 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Greeting Card Object Record Object Type Furniture Materials Date Period Dynasty 18, New Kingdom Findspot Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), Valley of the Kings Dimensions Current Location Cairo Museum Object Number People Depicted Tutankhamun, Ankhesenamun Deities Depicted None Animals Depicted Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Dance for Hathor Reproduction of a fragment of wall painting from the Tomb of the Dancers, discovered at Dra Abu el Naga, dating to c. 1630–1550 BC (Dynasty 17). Purchase Print About the Artwork The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford holds a striking fragment of wall painting from the so-called Tomb of the Dancers, discovered at Dra Abu el Naga, part of the Theban necropolis in Egypt. Dating to Dynasty 17, during the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1630–1550 BC), the scene depicts a group of women mid-dance, arms raised, fingers snapping in rhythm. It likely formed part of a festival or ceremonial performance honouring Hathor, the goddess of music, dance, joy, and fertility. Art Ref DP119 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Object Record Object Type Wall Painting Materials Limestone, Pigment, Plaster Date c. 1630 - 1540 BC Period Dynasty 17, Second Intermediate Period Findspot Tomb of the Dancers, Dra Abu el-Naga, Thebes Dimensions 137.2 x 145 cm in frame Current Location Ashmolean Museum Object Number AN1958.145 People Depicted Unknown Deities Depicted None Animals Depicted None Themes Dancing, Celebration Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

A Festival on the River Nile, Naqada Pot Reproduction of a Naqada II period pottery jar in the Metropolitan Museum collection dating to around c. 3450 to 3330 BC. Purchase Print About the Artwork Reproduction of a Naqada II period pottery jar in the Metropolitan Museum collection dating to around c. 3450 to 3330 BC. It depicts three boats travelling in procession within the Nile Valley landscape, with desert ibex shown in close proximity to flying birds and mountains, as well as flamingos surrounded by water plants. The boats each hold a different set of figures accompanied by individual standards, acting a ceremony or ritual and being observed by groups of people on the land nearby. Art Ref DP021 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Object Record Object Type Pottery Materials Date Period Naqada II Findspot Unprovenanced Dimensions Current Location Metropolitan Museum of Art Object Number People Depicted Deities Depicted None Animals Depicted Antelope, Ostrich, Bird Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Learn about the artist behind Wonderful Things Art, creating exquisite reproductions of ancient Egyptian and historical artwork for museums, galleries, and gift shops. Welcome to Wonderful Things Art, Bringing Ancient Egypt to Life I’m Natalie Watson, a UK-based artist with a background in archaeology and a lifelong passion for ancient Egypt. After earning my BA in Archaeology from the University of Bristol and working for nearly two decades in heritage and cultural engagement, I founded Wonderful Things Art in 2020 to combine my academic interests with creative practice. Since then, I have created over 100 reproductions of ancient Egyptian masterpieces and have been stocked by leading institutions, including the British Museum, World Museum Liverpool, the Petrie Museum, and the Manchester Museum, as well as in gift shops across the UK. My mission is to create authentic, research-led reproductions of ancient Egyptian art that allow modern audiences to connect meaningfully with the ancient world. Each artwork I produce is more than a decorative piece; it's a doorway to a rich and complex world of symbolism, ritual, and craftsmanship. Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list. Prints, Cards and Bookmarks Explore My Portfolio Visit My Shop My shop contains over 100 authentic reproductions of ancient Egyptian art. Each piece is carefully created to honour the authenticity, beauty and craftsmanship of the originals, and is available as: Fine art prints – in square, A-size, and panoramic formats Greeting cards – multiple sizes, FSC® certified and plastic-free Bookmarks and postcards Colouring sheets – for both relaxation and education You can purchase my work in two ways: Directly via my Shopify store using the buttons on this page Or through my Etsy shop , if you prefer to buy there I’m committed to running my small business as sustainably as possible. Orders are shipped using fully recyclable packaging: FSC® certified cardboard and siliconised stickers with water-based adhesives. All fine art prints are produced on museum-quality, acid-free 310gsm Canson® Rag Photographique paper. My cards, bookmarks, and postcards are printed on 100% recycled FSC® certified card, and packaged in biodegradable cellophane. Illustration Services See Past Projects Explore Retail Options I offer a range of illustration services for museums, publishers, and educational projects. This includes: Reproductions of artefacts, wall scenes, papyri, and objects Reconstructions of damaged or faded material Fictional artwork created in the authentic style of ancient Egypt Historical research to ensure cultural and visual accuracy If you need bespoke illustrations for retail products, displays, or interpretation, I’ll work closely with you to deliver engaging, historically informed artwork tailored to your needs. Private Commissions & Personalised Art Personalised Prints Contact Me I am happy to reproduce specific ancient Egyptian artworks on request, charged at an agreed hourly rate depending on the scope and level of research involved. Whether you are looking for a faithful recreation of a particular object or a carefully adapted design, each piece is approached with close study and historical sensitivity. I also take on private commissions, creating unique pieces that blend personal stories with the timeless beauty of ancient Egyptian art. Past commissions have included: A wedding portrait for an Egyptologist, featuring the couple in a feasting scene with a personalised hieroglyphic inscription A funerary stela design in memory of a loved one who had a deep appreciation for ancient Egypt A tattoo design based on a temple wall relief, incorporating protective symbols and name elements Many of my existing artworks can also be personalised, such as adding a name in a cartouche to make the piece truly about you or your loved one. These commissions are deeply collaborative and often very meaningful. I’m always honoured to help bring people’s connections to ancient Egypt to life through art. Retail and Wholesale Retail Catalogue Contact Me I work with museums, cultural attractions, and independent retailers to supply a range of illustrated products inspired by genuine ancient artefacts. My work is currently stocked by renowned institutions including the British Museum, Petrie Museum, World Museum Liverpool, and the Manchester Museum, alongside high street gift shops and heritage venues across the UK. In addition to my retail collection, I offer bespoke illustration services for: Exclusive museum merchandise featuring your collections Interpretive panels or displays Educational publications and visitor guides Engagement and learning resources Whether you need a set of custom postcards for an exhibition or a unique illustration for a shop-exclusive product, I can work with you to create something meaningful, accurate, and visually compelling. How I Recreate Ancient Egyptian Art Research: The Foundation of Everything Accuracy is at the heart of my work. Each piece begins with in-depth research into the original site, period, and purpose of the artwork. I consult archaeological reports, museum publications, historical sketches, and modern high-resolution photography to understand both the art and its context. When pieces are damaged or incomplete, I reference similar examples from the same period or site to reconstruct the missing elements as faithfully as possible. Drawing the Lines: Precision and Structure Ancient Egyptian artists followed strict compositional rules. I replicate their approach digitally by setting up baselines and registers in Photoshop, using red for initial drafts and black for final outlines, just as they did. Working from high-resolution imagery, I correct for lens distortion and surface warping, then use close-up references to redraw fine details. Where necessary, I fill in lost areas with comparisons from matching artworks to retain stylistic authenticity. Adding Colour: Symbolism and Tradition Colour in ancient Egypt carried symbolic meaning. I work with a carefully curated palette based on natural mineral pigments used in antiquity, ochres, carbon, malachite, azurite, and more. I digitally paint each piece by adding colour beneath the drawn lines, recreating the original look and feel of polychrome wall paintings. This process allows me to save both monochrome line versions and full-colour renderings of each artwork. “I've never come across such authentic renderings before… the colours are so vibrant and the detail is remarkable.” - Mark, Somerset, UK Sharing the Stories Behind the Scenes Each reproduction reveals something new, whether it’s a hidden detail, a translation of hieroglyphs, or a glimpse into the ancient artist’s process. I document these discoveries in short articles, which you can explore here on my website. They're written to make academic research accessible and to enrich your appreciation of the pieces. Delve Into The Archive Ahmose, Son of Ebana, an Ancient Egyptian Naval Commander The Coffin of Nespawershefyt: A Journey Through Ancient Egyptian Beliefs My Reproduction of a Wall Relief from the Tomb of Neferiretnes Dance For Hathor: Reproducing the Tomb of the Dancers Lady Tjepu: A Reproduction from Tomb TT181 Khepri and Thoth’s Sacred Baboons Sennedjem in Sekhet Aaru, The Field of Reeds The Offering Stela of Neskhons Ramesses II in his War Chariot (Battle of Kadesh) 1 2 3 4 5

The Burial Chamber of Tutankhamun Reproduction of a painting on the north wall of the burial chamber of Tutankhamun dating to Dynasty 18, c. 1325 BC. Purchase Print About the Artwork Reproduction of a painting on the north wall of the burial chamber of Tutankhamun dating to Dynasty 18, c. 1325 BC. It shows how Tutankhamun journeyed into the afterlife in three acts. In the first act, his mummy is prepared for the afterlife, in the second he meets the goddess of the sky Nut, and in the third, he is embraced by Osiris, the god of the underworld. Art Ref DP072 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Object Record Object Type Wall Relief Materials Date Period Dynasty 18 Findspot Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), Valley of the Kings Dimensions Current Location Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), Valley of the Kings Object Number People Depicted Tutankhamun, Ay Deities Depicted Nut, Osiris Animals Depicted Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

The Weighing of Hunefer’s Heart in the Presence of the Gods Reproduction of a vignette from the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, taken from the Papyrus of Hunefer from c. 1285 BC. Purchase Print About the Artwork In 1285 BC, during the reign of Seti I, a royal scribe called Hunefer put the finishing touches to what would become one of the most celebrated examples of ancient Egyptian funerary art. It was a scroll known as ‘The Book of Going Forth By Day’ which contained the instructions and spells he believed would allow him to reach the afterlife safely. Hunefer was buried with this papyrus scroll in the Theban hills, where they both remained until they were discovered 3,300 years later by archaeologists. At 5.5m long, this Book of the Dead contains columns of detailed instructions, hymns and spells punctuated by beautifully detailed illustrations of Hunefer and the gods. One of the most famous vignettes from the papyrus illustrates Chapter 125 and shows Hunefer navigating the halls of judgment in the underworld. In the vignette, Hunefer is led into the Hall of Truth by Anubis and is greeted by the gods responsible for deciding whether his soul will enter the afterlife or suffer a terrible fate. His heart has been placed upon a set of scales, and Anubis is weighing it against a feather personifying Maat, the concept of truth, justice and cosmic balance. As the source of Hunefer’s emotions, intellect and character, his heart represents the good and bad aspects of his life, and it now stands witness for him in the trial. This is a critical moment in Hunefer’s journey; if he fails this test his heart will be devoured by the terrifying beast called Ammit which sits at the scales and his soul will not be able to reach the afterlife. To ensure this doesn’t happen, he recites the words to spell 30B, instructing his heart not to betray him during the weighing and to be found in balance with Maat. This spell is destined to work, and Thoth, scribe of the gods, proclaims to the assembled deities that Hunefer has “been found true on the great balance”. Horus leads Hunefer to a shrine in which his father Osiris sits enthroned, accompanied by the goddesses Isis and Nephthys, and is welcomed to the afterlife. Art Ref DP023 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Object Record Object Type Papyrus Materials Date Period Dynasty 19 Findspot Theban Necropolis Dimensions Current Location British Museum Object Number People Depicted Hunefer Deities Depicted Isis, Nephthys, Osiris, Imseti, Duamutef, Hapi, Qebehsenuef, Nekhbet, Horus, Thoth (Djhutey), Anubis, Ammit, Geb, Nut, Great Ennead, Re, Shu, Tefnut, Hu, Sia, Atum Animals Depicted Ibis, Jackal, Falcon, Lion, Hippo, Crocodile Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Amenhotep I Deified Reproduction of the interior decoration of a coffin belonging to an unknown person who lived during the Third Intermediate Period, c. 1070-945 BC. Purchase Print About the Artwork Reproduction of the interior decoration of a coffin belonging to an unknown person who lived during the Third Intermediate Period, c. 1070-945 BC. Most of the interior is taken up with the image of King Amenhotep I in the guise of the mummiform Osiris, who is attended by a priest in a panther skin, a human-headed ba-bird representing the spirit of the coffin's owner, and a crouching mourning woman. Art Ref DP045 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Object Record Object Type Coffin Materials Date Period Dynasty 21 Findspot Theban Necropolis Dimensions Current Location Metropolitan Museum of Art Object Number People Depicted Amenhotep I Deities Depicted Osiris Animals Depicted Lizard, Snake, Baboon, Bird, Jackal, Falcon, Vulture Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Thoth Holding the Eye Of Horus Reproduction of a detail from a 20th Dynasty hieratic papyrus found in a tomb near Medinet Habu. Purchase Print About the Artwork 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”. Art Ref DP012 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Greeting Card Object Record Object Type Papyrus Materials Date Period Dynasty 20 Findspot Medinet Habu Dimensions Current Location British Museum Object Number People Depicted Deities Depicted Thoth (Djhutey), Eye of Horus Animals Depicted Baboon Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

The Pharaoh Seti with Horus, Thoth and the Two Ladies Reproduction of a wall relief from a chapel in the Temple of Seti I, dating to Dynasty 19 (around 1290–1279 BC). Purchase Print About the Artwork 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. Art Ref DP027 Read My Article Available to purchase as Giclée Print Object Record Object Type Wall Relief Materials Date Period Dynasty 19 Findspot Great Temple of Seti I, Abydos Dimensions Current Location Great Temple of Seti I, Abydos Object Number People Depicted Seti I Deities Depicted Horus, Thoth (Djhutey), Nekhbet, Wadjet Animals Depicted Ibis, Falcon Themes Love ancient Egypt? So do I. Sign up to be the first to hear about new artwork, behind-the-scenes insights, special offers, and the fascinating stories behind the pieces. Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list.