The artwork “Vogeljagd, Detail” is a piece dated to approximately 1400 – 1390 BC, from the era of the New Kingdom in ancient Egypt. This piece is part of a series from the Tomb of Nakht which dates back to around 1400-1300 BC and falls under the genres of landscape and animal painting.
The piece vividly depicts a lively scene centered around the thematic portrayal of bird hunting. In the artwork, an array of birds is captured in various states of motion, each rendered with attention to their distinct plumage and forms, reflecting the Egyptian style of visualization. The birds vary in size and color, featuring predominantly white, brown, and green hues, with accents of red in their wings and tail feathers. They are depicted amidst a lush backdrop of papyrus stalks, a plant that held significant value and symbolism in ancient Egyptian culture.
In addition to the birds, there are also portrayals of fluttering butterflies and neatly placed nests containing eggs, further enhancing the theme of a living natural environment. The composition features a harmonious blend of wildlife and flora, which is characteristic of Egyptian art, often reflecting the importance they placed on nature and its depictions in their connection to the afterlife and immortality.