The King with Anubis, Tomb of Haremhab

Art Historical Context

This striking facsimile captures a scene from the tomb of Pharaoh Horemheb (Dynasty 18), who ruled Egypt around 1323–1295 B.C. Created by artist Lancelot Crane in 1910–1911 using tempera on paper, it reproduces a wall painting in which the king stands before the jackal-headed god Anubis. The original tomb art reflects the New Kingdom’s rich funerary traditions, where such imagery ensured the pharaoh’s safe passage to the afterlife. Anubis, protector of the dead and overseer of mummification, appears here as a divine guide, accompanied by hieroglyphic inscriptions that likely invoke protection and offerings. Crane’s careful copy preserves delicate details of color, line, and symbolism from an era when Egyptian artists followed strict conventions to convey eternal order and royal divinity. Such facsimiles were vital in the early twentieth century, allowing scholars and the public to study fragile tomb decorations without risking damage to the originals. Today, this work in the Metropolitan Museum’s Egyptian Art collection offers visitors a vivid connection to ancient beliefs about death and rebirth, highlighting both the enduring power of Egyptian iconography and the role of modern artists in safeguarding cultural heritage.