Facsimile of a painting in the tomb of Nebamun: dog seated beneath Its owner's chair

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of ancient Egypt with this exquisite facsimile of a tomb painting from the burial chamber of Nebamun a high-ranking scribe and grain accountant from the New Kingdom's 18th Dynasty (. 1479–1458 B.C.). Created by Charles K. Wilkinson tempera on paper at precise 1:1 scale, it faithfully reproduces a detail showing a loyal dog seated attentively beneath its owner's chair Discovered in the Theban necropolis near Luxor, Nebamun's tomb walls burst with lively scenes of daily life, hunting, and banquets—intended to magically sustain the deceased in the afterlife. This artwork captures the Egyptians' masterful flat, symbolic style, where figures are rendered in bold outlines and vivid mineral-based pigments that have endured millennia. The dog's naturalistic pose and alert expression highlight its role as a cherished companion, often depicted as a hunting aide or household guardian, reflecting the elite's affection for pets. Such motifs underscore the cultural belief in continuity between earthly joys and eternal paradise. Displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Egyptian Art department (acquired via the Rogers Fund in 1930), this facsimile brings the tomb's magic to modern eyes, offering a window into a society where art blurred the line between life and immortality.

About the Artist

Charles K. Wilkinson · 1897–1986

Charles K. Wilkinson (1897–1986), born Charles Kyrle Wilkinson in London on October 13, 1897, was the son of Horace W. Wilkinson, a stained-glass window maker, and Frances Adkins. Serving in World War I, he honed his artistic skills at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, where the influential director Henry Tonks shaped the rigorous training of a generation of draughtsmen. In ...