Artwork
Drilling a Stone Vase, Tomb of Rekhmire
Drilling a Stone Vase, Tomb of Rekhmire is an unspecified painting by Nina M. Davies. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The painting *Drilling a Stone Vase, Tomb of Rekhmire*, created by Nina M. Davies in 1504, depicts a moment of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. This artwork captures an artisan intently engaged in shaping a stone vessel, offering a glimpse into the specialized skills of the period. It is currently housed within the extensive collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates an ancient artisan diligently shaping a stone vessel. The figure is shown in profile, seated with crossed legs, his right hand operating a drill while his left steadies the vase. Dressed in a simple loincloth, the craftsman embodies the focused labor involved in creating utilitarian and decorative objects in antiquity.
Technique & Style
Davies employed simple lines and a palette of earthy tones to render the scene. The warm background complements the natural hues of the stone vase, contributing to a sense of tranquility. This stylistic approach emphasizes the focused concentration of the artisan, creating a serene and direct portrayal of the ancient craft.
History & Provenance
Nina M. Davies, an Egyptologist and illustrator, produced this painting, which is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. She worked extensively in early twentieth-century Egypt, often alongside her husband, Norman de Garis Davies, meticulously documenting and reproducing wall paintings found within ancient tombs.
Artist & collection
Artist
The Egyptologists Nina M. Davies (6 January 1881 – 21 April 1965) and Norman de Garis Davies (1865–5 November 1941) were a married couple of illustrators and copyists who worked in the early and mid-twentieth century…
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