The artwork titled “Ober Weinlese, Unten Vogelfang,” created circa 1390 BC during the New Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt, is an illustrative genre painting from the “Tomb of Nakht” series, dating approximately between 1400 and 1300 BC. The work presents scenes reflective of daily life and activities, emblematic of the prolific artistic endeavors during this era.
In the upper section of the artwork, figures are depicted harvesting grapes under meticulously detailed vine trellises, an indicator of the significance of viticulture in ancient Egyptian society. Rendered in a combination of vibrant colors, the figures are engaged in their labor, some reaching up to pluck grapes while others gather the clusters. The lower section transitions to a depiction of bird hunting, capturing avian life embedded within a net, symbolizing the intricate relationship between humans and nature. The detailed rendering of both human figures and surrounding flora displays a characteristic stylization prominent in Egyptian art. Large jars are shown in the background, possibly representing the storage of harvested produce. The juxtaposition of agricultural labor with the act of hunting provides a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse subsistence activities of that period. The artwork embodies the thematic richness and illustrative detail typical of the New Kingdom’s artistic oeuvre.