The artwork, titled “Hunting and Fishing, Cat and Ichneumon” and created during c.1422 – c.1411 BC, is an exemplary piece by Ancient Egypt, reflecting the New Kingdom art movement. This landscape and animal painting genre belongs to the series “Tomb of Menna, c. 1422-1390 BC”.
The artwork vividly illustrates elements of ancient Egyptian nature and wildlife, with clear depictions of a variety of birds, a cat, and an ichneumon (a type of mongoose) among lush vegetation. The cat is shown in a poised state within the reeds, seemingly ready to pounce, evoking the natural hunting behaviors of animals. Above, various birds are depicted with meticulous attention to detail and color, all set against a backdrop that highlights the harmonious coexistence in nature. The rich and symbolic portrayal speaks to the culture’s reverence for the natural world and their sophisticated artistic techniques.