Three fragments of Charcoal

Art Historical Context

These three small fragments of charcoal, dating to Dynasty 18 of Egypt’s New Kingdom (ca. 1479–1458 B.C.), offer a rare glimpse into the materials used by ancient Egyptian artisans. Created during a period of artistic renewal and imperial expansion, such everyday substances were essential to the vibrant wall paintings, reliefs, and tomb decorations that defined the era. Though modest in size—each measuring just seven centimeters—the fragments survive as tangible evidence of the creative processes behind the grand monuments of the time. Charcoal served multiple practical roles in Egyptian workshops, from preliminary sketching on stone or plaster to producing black pigments for finished works. Its presence in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection highlights how even humble materials contributed to the sophisticated visual language of New Kingdom art. Preserved through careful excavation, these pieces remind visitors that the luminous paintings and sculptures we admire today began with simple tools like these.