Artwork
'Figure of Anubis', Egypt, 664-525 BCE, 'Resting', ca 1870-1873 by James McNeil Whistler and 'Figurine of the Goddess Neith', 664-525 BCE or later, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection
'Figure of Anubis', Egypt, 664-525 BCE, 'Resting', ca 1870-1873 by James McNeil Whistler and 'Figurine of the Goddess Neith', 664-525 BCE or later, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection is a photographic photography by Alvin Langdon Coburn. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph, taken around 1870-1873, captures a framed painting flanked by two ancient Egyptian statues, mounted on a dark background.
About this work
Overview
This photograph, taken around 1870-1873, captures a framed painting flanked by two ancient Egyptian statues, mounted on a dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph features a blurred portrait painting between two statues: Anubis, the jackal-headed god associated with mummification, and Neith, a goddess. The statues date to 664-525 BCE, while the painting's date is unknown.
Technique & Style
The photograph showcases Whistler's experimentation with arrangement and atmosphere, using a dark background and a faintly outlined figure to create a contemplative mood.
History & Provenance
The photograph is part of the Charles Lang Freer Collection and features statues from ancient Egypt, highlighting the cultural exchange and collecting practices of the time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alvin Langdon Coburn kept a tiny camera in every coat pocket, snapping odd angles of London’s streets while pretending to window-shop.
The British Lion
London: A Sphinx
On the Embankment
A Sphinx, The Embankment, London
Bust of Dionysus, Platon
'Stele with Buddhist triad', China, 581-618 or later, 'Bodhisattva', Japan, 'Bowl', (origins unknown), 'Figure of Avalokiteshvara', Japanese, after statue in Horyuji Temple, early 20th century, 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 8th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection
After Meryon - Le Stryge
'Jar', Raqqa, Syria, 11th-12th century, 'Head and Bust (fragment) of a man', Egypt, ca. 1980-1630 BCE, face later recarved, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection
Interior din atelierul pictorului![The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (recto); Sketch of a Sphinx [?] (verso), by Luc-Olivier Merson](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/luc-olivier-merson--the-rest-on-the-flight-into-egypt-recto-sketch-of-a-sphinx-v--25f9a663b49091e6-w320.webp)
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (recto); Sketch of a Sphinx [?] (verso)
Figures Near the Ruins of a Corinthian Temple (recto); Fragment of an Arch (tracing from recto) (verso)
'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection
The Gallery of Greek Sculpture at Crystal Palace
Statue, The Great Exhibition
'The First Whisper of Love' by William Calder Marshall
'Bacchante' by Jean-August Barré exhibited at Crystal Palace
Dancing Girl Reposing, Prize Statue, Great Exhibition 1851
Untitled