Description:
This papyrus from Egypt represents the sky and the zodiac signs. It is made in Egypt, in the Nile Delta, with the emblematic papyrus plant using traditional methods. It is then painted in mixed media combining different techniques (Engraving, gouache, shimmering pigments and gold highlights.)
This papyrus is inspired by an engraving from 1802 by Dominique Vivant Denon, which reproduced a celestial vault carved in bas-relief in sandstone, which adorned the ceiling of the Chapel of Osiris, in the temple of Hathor at Dendera, Egypt; a bas-relief that is now preserved in the Louvre Museum.
The four kneeling couples correspond to the cardinal points, the twelve figures holding the celestial sphere represent the months of the year. The thirty-six characters in procession along the celestial circle represent the decans, each corresponding to the Egyptian week, which lasted ten days. Although it is generally accepted that the ceiling was carved during the Ptolemaic period, the vault could reflect the knowledge of Egyptian astronomy four thousand years earlier. In the inner circle, the zodiac signs mingle with the planets and constellations. Their precise position and the depiction of the eclipse that took place in March 51 BC allow us to confirm that the zodiac was drawn between June and August of the year 50 BC, under the Ptolemies.
Display this fascinating Egyptian cosmos in your home, office, or meditation space as a gateway to the ancient world. This piece also makes a sumptuous Egyptological gift, meaningful for someone passionate about astrology, mythology, or antiquity.
Size : 45 (height) x 65 (width)
NB : frame not included
Shipping: All our items are shipped from Nice, France (in an extra rigid cardboard tube), which allows us to offer fast and reliable shipping via colissimo or DHL, throughout Europe.
Responsible and solidarity purchase: lWhen you purchase this papyrus, you support the production of papyrus in the Nile Delta, which is unfortunately in decline. On the other hand, Nilazur commits to donating €1 to an organization that supports the education of young girls in Egypt.
