The artwork, “Mummy of Nesmin,” crafted during the Ptolemaic period circa 200 – 30 BC, exemplifies the genre of portrait and symbolic painting attributable to Ancient Egyptian artistry. It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, United States.
The artwork depicts the mummified remains adorned with intricately painted symbolic motifs that are characteristic of Ptolemaic Egypt. Dominating the design is a large, colorful pectoral featuring a winged scarab beetle, which is a prominent symbol of rebirth and protection in Egyptian mythology. Surrounding the scarab, various decorative elements form concentric semicircles, filled with carefully arranged geometric patterns, indicative of the meticulous craftsmanship of the time. Below this, an image of a winged deity, likely representing another protective symbol, is rendered in vibrant hues. The use of gold leaf on the figure’s chest and the bold contrasts in color highlight the sacred and revered status of the mummy, reflecting the Egyptians’ profound respect for the afterlife and their intricate rituals of burial. This artwork is a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Ancient Egypt, encapsulated within the timeless practice of mummification and ceremonial adornment.