Tulips in the Eye of Horus Sold 10x11 Oil on Linen © Margret E. Short, OPA, AWA, 2009 Lesssons from the Pharaoh’s Tomb Lawrence Gallery, Portland, Oregon September & October 2009 Egyptian societies in antiquity were strictly stratified, and the king was the most powerful holder of divine office. When the previous pharaoh died the new … [Read more...] about Tulips in the Eye of Horus
azurite
Azurite Splendors
I took this photo of spectacular paintings on the ceilings at Dendera Temple. There are traces of a blue green pigment that is possibly azurite. Not much color could be seen on vertical structures presumably because of wear and flaking over the centuries. However many ceilings had color remaining. The intricacies of the design here are … [Read more...] about Azurite Splendors
Khepri’s Journey
Khepri’s Journey Sold 14x14 Oil on Linen © Margret E. Short 2009, OPA, AWA Lessons from the Pharaoh’s Tomb Lawrence Gallery, Portland, Oregon September & October 2009 As said before, when delving into a colorful history of any culture, you never know what will be unearthed. I just couldn't resist using the motif of the stunning … [Read more...] about Khepri’s Journey
Arsenic in the Stew
Orpiment, shown above in its natural form and also pigment form, was widely used in Egypt during and after the 18th dynasty, about 1500 BC. During this period the very progressive and successful female pharaoh, Hatshepsut, was in power. It is thought that she initiated trade with other countries and the use … [Read more...] about Arsenic in the Stew
Sneak Peeks from the Pharaohs
Well, it's time for the big reveal of a few of the initial works completed in the last weeks using colors from the pharaoh's tombs. As mentioned before this pigment project has been more of a challenge than the Dutch themed one. The most important issue is there are fewer colors and even fewer vibrant ones. This detail below is from … [Read more...] about Sneak Peeks from the Pharaohs
Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral?
I read an interesting tidbit in the Parade Magazine, Sunday Oregonian, April 19, 2009 in the Ask Marilyn column. A reader asked about carbon dating cave paintings made with paint composed of minerals. Marilyn replied that carbon dating can determine the age of artifacts made of organic matter such as cloth, bone, and wood. If painting was done in … [Read more...] about Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral?