Female Musicians

Twentieth Century; original New Kingdom

Charles K. Wilkinson

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 135

Music, singing, and dancing were part of celebrating in ancient Egypt. Here, a harpist leads a group of female musicians. To the right is a lute player, who is naked except for her jewelry. She is dancing, and her tilted head indicates that she is possibly singing as well. Behind her, a young girl also wearing only jewelry is dancing and might be singing. The fourth female figure plays a double pipe and turns her head toward a lyre player. According to an inscription, this detail of a larger banquet was probably part of the Beautiful Festival of the Valley.

Female Musicians, Charles K. Wilkinson, Tempera on paper

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Female Musicians, Charles K. Wilkinson, Tempera on paper
Female Musicians, Charles K. Wilkinson, Tempera on paper

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