The artwork, titled “Falcon Protecting the King,” was created by an artist from Ancient Egypt during the period c. 1479 – c. 1458 BC. This piece belongs to the New Kingdom art movement and is classified under the genres of symbolic painting and animal painting.
The artwork depicts a falcon, a sacred animal in Ancient Egyptian mythology, spreading its wings wide in a protective gesture. The falcon is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing its brilliantly colored feathers in shades of green and white, accentuated with blue eye-like spots. The falcon’s head is turned to the side, with a sharp, hooked beak and a piercing gaze suggesting vigilance. Clutched in its talons is a round orb, perhaps symbolizing the sun or the celestial protection bestowed upon the pharaoh. The background of the painting features a patterned border adorned with star motifs, further emphasizing the celestial theme. The artwork utilizes a palette of natural hues, with dominant colors of green, white, and hints of red and blue, reflective of the typical color schemes employed in Ancient Egyptian art. This piece combines both symbolic and naturalistic elements, serving as a testament to the skill and spiritual beliefs of its creators.
