Seth Slaying a Serpent, Temple of Amun at Hibis

Art Historical Context

Behold the dynamic facsimile *Seth Slaying a Serpent a vivid reproduction of an ancient Egyptian wall painting from the Temple of Am at Hibis in the remote Kharga Oasis. Dating to 521–486 B.C. during Dynasty 27 of the Late Period—the era of Persian rule over Egypt—this scene captures the god Seth, embodiment of chaos and storms, triumphantly spearing a menacing serpent. Such imagery underscores Seth's role as a protector against cosmic disorder, echoing eternal battles between order and chaos central to Egyptian mythology. Created by Egyptologist Charles K. Wilkinson in tempera on paper at a precise 1:5 scale, this work preserves the original's bold colors and intricate details, which would have adorned the temple's sacred walls. Temples like Hibis were hubs of divine worship, blending pharaonic traditions with foreign influences under Persian satraps who patronized grand constructions. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1948, this piece at the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers visitors a tangible link to antiquity. It highlights how facsimiles like Wilkinson's bridge millennia, making the vibrancy of Late Period art accessible today. Marvel at Seth's ferocity—a testament to enduring Egyptian beliefs in divine power!

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 ...