Beeld van een zittende schrijver in het museum van Caïro before 1905

This photograph captures a sculpture of a seated scribe from the Cairo Museum. There is a feeling of stillness and focus, the figure sits cross legged with a scroll on his lap, eyes looking up in thought. The sculpture’s surface looks like it has a chalky texture. You can imagine the sculptor working the stone with chisels and scrapers to slowly reveal the form. There is something very present and grounded about the piece. The way the knees meet the base. the gesture of the hands ready to write. I am drawn to the face and the way the hair has been stylized into thick triangular sections framing the serene expression. This sculpture reminds me of a piece by the contemporary artist, Charles Ray, who also plays with stillness in his figures. Both capture a sense of quiet observation, inviting the viewer to slow down and contemplate. In a way the process of looking at art is also a form of writing.