The artwork “Workers on the Threshing Floor” is an ancient Egyptian genre painting from the New Kingdom period, specifically dating from circa 1422 to 1411 BC. It forms part of the artistic series within the Tomb of Menna, which dates from approximately 1422-1390 BC. This painting is a typical representation of everyday life in ancient Egypt, reflecting the importance of agriculture in their society.
The image depicts three male figures on a threshing floor, engaged in activities related to the processing of grain. The figure to the left stands with his back to the viewer, looking over his shoulder at the other two men. He is depicted with a darker complexion, in a striding pose, and holds what appears to be a whip or a tool in his hand. His headdress indicates he might be of higher status or overseeing the work.
In the center is a man caught mid-motion, turning his head to look back, likely communicating with the man behind him. He holds a long tool diagonally across his body, probably used in the threshing process.
The figure to the right faces sideways and is shown actively using a flail to thresh the grain. His body language suggests movement and effort, as he swings the tool with both hands. This man also looks back, as if in conversation with his fellow worker.
The background is dominated by the depiction of a large pile of grain, showing the result of their labor. It’s important to note that these scenes are designed to illustrate an idealized version of agricultural work, and serve as a tribute to the productivity and prosperity under the tomb’s owner.
The artistic style is consistent with Egyptian conventions of the time, with a use of profile view for the faces and feet, combined with frontal views of the torsos. This composite perspective allows for clear representation of the body’s various parts. The colors are straightforward, with the use of brown for the skin of the workers, white for their loincloths, and other natural hues to depict the grain and details of the headdress and tools.
