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A garden pool: fragment of wall painting, Egyptian, 18th Dynasty, c1350 BC
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A garden pool: fragment of wall painting, Egyptian, 18th Dynasty, c1350 BC
A garden pool: fragment of wall painting, Egyptian, 18th Dynasty, c1350 BC. Tomb painting of a pool full of ducks, lotus flowers and tilapia fish; papyrus grows along the edge. Around the pool are palms, dom-palms, sycomore fig, mandrakes, and other bushes. In one corner is a tree in which the tree-goddess Hathor presents offerings to whoever was at the right of the scene, most likely Nebamun and Hatshepset, his wife. This fragment appears to show a pool in a garden that might have belonged to Nebamun, in whose tomb at Thebes, (no. 9), it was found. But, like many other scenes from the tomb, it probably has a deeper significance; the fish, birds and plants also act as rich symbols of rebirth and new life. From the British Museum
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Media ID 14837827
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Afterlife Aquatic Life Duck Ducks Fish Hathor Lotus Mausoleum Nebamun Nebarunun Palm Tree Papyrus Peaceful Pond Pool Rebirth Sycamore Tomb Decoration Wall Painting Ancient Egyptian Ann Ronan Pictures Mandragora Mandrake Print Collector7 Tilapia
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a fragment of an ancient Egyptian wall painting from the 18th Dynasty, dating back to around 1350 BC. The scene depicts a serene garden pool teeming with life and vibrant colors. Ducks gracefully swim among blooming lotus flowers, while tilapia fish glide through the calm waters. Papyrus plants line the edge of the pool, adding to its natural beauty. Surrounding the pool are various types of lush vegetation, including palms, dom-palms, sycomore figs, and mandrakes. In one corner stands a tree where the revered goddess Hathor presents offerings to those who were likely Nebamun and his wife Hatshepset. This suggests that this garden may have belonged to Nebamun himself. However, beyond its aesthetic appeal lies a deeper significance. The presence of fish, birds, and plants in this artwork symbolizes rebirth and new life—a concept closely tied to death and afterlife beliefs in ancient Egypt. Discovered within Nebamun's tomb at Thebes (no. 9), this fragment offers us a glimpse into an enchanting oasis that once existed thousands of years ago. It serves as a testament to the rich religious traditions and deep connection with nature that characterized ancient Egyptian culture. Preserved by time and now housed in the British Museum collection, this remarkable artifact invites us to contemplate both its artistic beauty and profound symbolism—an enduring testament to human creativity across millennia.
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