January 2024

Today, we continue our trek around the world looking at art forms we may not be familiar with.  We have talked about Mexican Folk Art, Street Art, Chinese Kites, Japanese Origami, Sand drawings of Vanuatu, and Kintsugi so far.  Now we go way back centuries to look at and learn about an ancient art form that is very much alive today. The art of the Egyptian Paypyrus Painting is both interesting and a piece of living history. Let’s see this art form and learn what we can about it.  We may decide to incorporate some part of it into our own artistic endeavors.

In the world of art, where diverse cultures and histories blend to create a tapestry of human expression, Egyptian Papyrus Painting stands out as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of ancient civilizations. Egyptian Papyrus Painting is an art form that has captivated the hearts of art enthusiasts and historians alike.

The Origins of Papyrus Painting:

Papyrus, the canvas of the ancient Egyptians, was more than just a writing material; it was the backdrop for some of the most intricate and symbolic art pieces in history. Originating along the Nile River’s fertile banks, papyrus was not only used for documenting important texts but also for artistic expression. The art of papyrus painting began in the early dynastic periods, flourishing during the time of the Pharaohs.

The Process:

Creating a papyrus painting is a meticulous process. It begins with the harvesting of the papyrus plant. Then followed by a series of steps, including cutting, soaking, and pressing the stalks to create a smooth, flat surface. Once prepared, the papyrus becomes the perfect medium for artists to depict scenes of ancient Egyptian life, mythology, and gods.

Symbolism and Themes:

The themes in Egyptian papyrus paintings are deeply rooted in the culture’s religious beliefs and daily life. Common motifs include the gods of ancient Egypt, like Isis and Osiris; scenes from the Book of the Dead; depictions of daily life; and the famous journey of the sun god, Ra, across the sky. Each color and symbol in these paintings carries specific meanings, reflecting a rich tapestry of spiritual beliefs and practices.

Technique and Style:

The artistic style of papyrus painting is characterized by its linearity and flatness, with a lack of perspective that is typical of ancient Egyptian art. Artists used mineral-based pigments to create vibrant colors that have withstood the test of time. The precision and detail in these paintings showcase the high level of skill and artistry of the ancient Egyptian painters.

Papyrus Painting Today:

Today, Egyptian papyrus painting is not only a window into the past but also a living art form. Contemporary artists continue to use traditional techniques to create both authentic reproductions and modern interpretations. These artworks serve as a bridge connecting the ancient and modern worlds, allowing us to experience a piece of history in our own homes.

Conclusion:

Egyptian Papyrus Painting is more than just an art form; it’s a historical narrative painted on an ancient canvas. It offers us a glimpse into a civilization that has long fascinated the world with its mysteries and wonders. As we explore these captivating artworks, we are reminded of the enduring power of human creativity and expression.

If this topic resonates with you and you would like more information, here are some recent articles and videos about Egyptian Papyrus Painting:

• Articles:

  • Papyrus in Ancient Egypt | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This article provides an overview of the history and significance of papyrus in ancient Egypt.
  • Egypt’s papyrus art struggles amid tourism slump | Africanews from Africanews. This article discusses the challenges facing the Egyptian papyrus painting industry due to the decline in tourism.
  • Egypt’s papyrus makers keep tradition alive despite tourism slump – Al Jazeera from Al Jazeera. This article highlights the efforts of Egyptian artisans to keep the tradition of papyrus painting alive.

• Videos:

  • Meet Some Of The Last Papyrus Makers In Egypt Keeping A 5,000-Year-Old Craft Alive | Still Standing from Business Insider. This video takes you inside the world of the last papyrus makers in Egypt.
  • How to Paint on Egyptian Papyrus from Travis McHenry. This video shows you how to paint on papyrus using traditional Egyptian techniques.
  • Book of the Dead: Ancient Egyptian papyrus in the exhibition at the British Museum from The British Museum. This video takes a closer look at the Book of the Dead, an ancient Egyptian papyrus manuscript.
  • Papyrus: How Egyptians use the plant to write and paint from The Report. This video explains how the papyrus plant was used for writing and painting in ancient Egypt.
  • Papyrus Art Painting – Replica from the Tomb of Pashedu from EgyptologyLessons. This video shows you how to create a replica of a papyrus painting from the tomb of Pashedu

Enjoy!