Ceiling on the North Side of Nakht's Offering Chapel 1410 BC

Norman de Garis Davies created this watercolor of the ceiling on the north side of Nakht's offering chapel. Davies worked at a time of intense archaeological interest in Egypt, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Davies's meticulous rendering captures the geometric patterns and vibrant colors typical of ancient Egyptian art. But consider the role of Davies himself, a Western artist documenting and interpreting the art of a culture vastly different from his own. Davies's work gives insight into the power dynamics inherent in the study and representation of ancient cultures. It also reflects the desire to preserve cultural heritage threatened by time and circumstance, while raising questions about who has the authority to interpret and represent these histories. How does seeing this artwork, mediated through Davies's eyes, affect our understanding and appreciation of the original?