Egyptian Hieroglyphs 8-15-2016
Examining this ancient limestone wall carving up close was a highlight of visiting the antiquities wing during an afternoon Metropolitan Museum of Art visit in New York City. The repetitive carved figures were executed with remarkable precision, showing human forms in a rhythmic procession that has lasted thousands of years through history without losing their striking structural integrity.
The relief carving depicts five Egyptian figures pulling together on a ceremonial rope, carved directly into textured sandy limestone. Strong raking side light emphasizes the raised contours, chiseled muscle lines, and textured stone surface, casting distinct shadows into the incised details across the horizontal register from left to right.
