Two Egyptian Birds c. 1876 - 1878

Editor: This is Charles Herbert's "Two Egyptian Birds." The date is unknown, and it's at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m struck by how linear and decorative the birds are. What does this artwork communicate to you? Curator: It's fascinating how Herbert appropriates Egyptian motifs. These images likely reflect the late 19th-century Western fascination with Egypt, fueled by archaeological discoveries. Do you think it accurately captures the spirit of ancient Egyptian art, or does it seem more like a romanticized interpretation? Editor: I think it feels very stylized, a bit distanced from the original context. Curator: Precisely! Herbert's work highlights how cultural appropriation can shape our understanding and presentation of historical imagery. The artwork acts as a lens through which we view both ancient Egypt and 19th-century Western perspectives. Editor: It really makes you consider how images can be reinterpreted and used for different purposes across time.