The King with Anubis, Tomb of Haremhab 1323 BC

Editor: Here we have “The King with Anubis, Tomb of Haremhab” from 1323 BC, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The piece depicts two figures rendered in watercolor with hieroglyphs behind them, evoking ancient Egyptian art traditions. I am struck by the formality of it, the almost ritualistic presentation. What can you tell us about this artwork? Curator: Oh, it’s such a vibrant whisper from the past, isn’t it? Immediately, my imagination soars. This image speaks to a sacred dance, a conversation between mortality and the divine. Note the ochre skin tones— the convention for men – grounded yet also seemingly lit from within. The precise lines suggest not just an illustration, but a belief, a yearning for the afterlife to go smoothly. Anubis, guardian of the scales, guides the pharaoh in the journey to eternity. The formality you noticed feels intentional. Like it holds some kind of mystical equation about power. What do you make of the objects being held? Editor: They look like jars? It adds a bit of intrigue to their poses; I want to know what is in them. Do you think the objects or offering have to do with preparing for the afterlife? Curator: Exactly. Everything has significance. Perhaps offerings for the gods, essentials for the afterlife. Maybe it shows how the King interacts with his beliefs about transition. And look how their gaze doesn't quite meet. Interesting tension. All set against a neutral, but layered background. It speaks to a very different conception of time, of existence. Gives you chills doesn't it? Editor: It does! It makes me think about the preparations we make for life, too. All the items we consider necessary to bring along. Thank you for lending your expertise and imagination to this discussion. Curator: The pleasure was all mine, a vibrant dance with the past, indeed!