Artwork

Facsimile of a falcon protecting the king

Facsimile of a falcon protecting the king, by Charles Wilkinson, unspecified
Facsimile of a falcon protecting the king, by Charles Wilkinson, unspecified

Facsimile of a falcon protecting the king is an unspecified painting by Charles Wilkinson. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A painting depicting a falcon shielding a king is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

A painting depicting a falcon shielding a king is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork shows a large falcon with outstretched wings, turned to gaze over its shoulder, symbolically protecting an unseen monarch. The falcon's posture conveys vigilance and guardianship.

Technique & Style

The painting features a predominantly light blue background with yellow and green accents, against which the falcon is rendered in white, green, and red hues.

Artist & collection

Artist

Charles Wilkinson

Egyptian artists carved lively scenes on tomb walls to keep the dead company. Wilkinson’s bundle offers five such reliefs, from a falcon guarding a pharaoh to wine presses and chariots left behind for the next world.…