Artwork

Deir el-Medineh, Sacred Barge

Deir el-Medineh, Sacred Barge, by Antonio Beato, 1874
Deir el-Medineh, Sacred Barge, by Antonio Beato, 1874

Deir el-Medineh, Sacred Barge is a photography by the Impressionist artist Antonio Beato. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Deir el-Medineh, Sacred Barge, a photograph by Antonio Beato circa 1874, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The image captures intricately carved stone blocks adorned with hieroglyphs, figures, and scenes of daily and ritual life.

Subject & Meaning

The carved blocks, likely from an ancient Egyptian shrine or tomb, depict formal, ritualistic scenes including people, animals, boats, and individuals bearing tools or offerings. While the specific narrative or ritual significance remains unclear, the composition suggests a ceremonial or religious purpose.

Technique & Style

The photograph presents the carvings against a flat, unshaded background, emphasizing the sharp edges and detailed engravings. The absence of shading in the depiction highlights the two-dimensional quality of the original carvings.

History & Provenance

Created around 1874 by Antonio Beato, the photograph is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, providing a 19th-century photographic record of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Artist & collection

Artist

Antonio Beato

Antonio Beato (1825–1903) was a British artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.