Egyptian Wall Painting

Book excerpt: "Egyptian Wall Painting focuses on two-dimensional depictions in ancient Egypt, examining them as part of an elaborate code designed to maintain the so-called Maat - or Cosmic Order, Truth-Justice, and Universal Harmony - and thus integral to Egyptian lives and beliefs. It conducts this study through two different lenses: that of Western rational analysis, with its emphasis on methods and techniques, and that of ancient Egyptian spirituality, which these complex works have handed down to our own time." "Illustrated with 350 color plates, including numerous full-page details printed on a special matte paper designed to simulate the feel of the stuccoed limestone on which the original images were painted, Egyptian Wall Painting illuminates an art, language, and culture of extraordinary richness. The definitive treatment of its subject, it is sure to appeal to art historians, Egyptologists, linguist, and connoisseurs interested in one of history's most complex and influential civilizations."--BOOK JACKET.