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
Egypt
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
Mummy Tales
Last week, a follower of this blog, Christine Debrosky, wrote and asked if I had ever read anything about a pigment called, mummy yellow, or mummy brown. Well, I have, and this is probably the most bizarre and creepy pigment story yet. In her book, Colors, Anne Verichon says that in ancient Egypt mummy yellow was sacred because it was made from … [Read more...] about Mummy Tales
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
Ready for the Afterlife
Linen played an important role in mummification and the process was diverse, changing throughout the centuries. After the body and its important parts were prepared, it was wrapped with many layers of linen in varying ways. In the early period each limb, finger, and toe was wrapped individually, coated in resin, and moulded in plaster. During the … [Read more...] about Ready for the Afterlife