Statue of Deified Amenhotep I 1279 BC

This is a facsimile created by Nina de Garis Davies. The artwork is made with watercolor and graphite on paper, depicting a statue of the deified Amenhotep I. Davies skillfully uses watercolors to capture the statue's form, texture, and color. The statue's golden hue is achieved through careful layering and blending of pigments, while graphite outlines add definition. The inherent qualities of the materials – the transparency of watercolor, the smoothness of graphite – allow Davies to create a detailed and lifelike representation. Davies's work reflects a deep engagement with ancient Egyptian art and culture, requiring extensive research and technical skill, reflecting the labor-intensive nature of creating such facsimiles. By focusing on materials, making, and context, Davies challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.