Queen Nefertari being led by Isis 1279 BC

Charles K. Wilkinson made this color facsimile of Queen Nefertari being led by Isis sometime in the 20th century. Wilkinson's delicate rendering invites us to consider the roles of women in ancient Egyptian society, both divine and mortal. Nefertari, Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, is depicted with the goddess Isis, a powerful figure associated with protection, magic, and motherhood. The intimate gesture of Isis leading Nefertari underscores a sense of shared femininity and mutual respect. The elaborate costumes and jewelry denote their high status, but also speak to deeply held spiritual beliefs about the afterlife. The original tomb painting would have been a vibrant declaration of power, spirituality, and the enduring legacy of women. Wilkinson's careful copy allows us to reflect on the intertwined threads of gender, divinity, and remembrance.