Ober Weinlese, Unten Vogelfang 1390 BC

This wall painting, titled "Ober Weinlese, Unten Vogelfang", was made in Ancient Egypt using readily available materials such as ground pigments mixed with a binding agent like gum arabic or animal glue, applied onto a prepared plaster surface. The artists meticulously depicted scenes of daily life, showcasing the labor involved in harvesting grapes and catching birds. The upper register shows laborers picking grapes, their movements captured in stylized poses, then transferring the grape harvest into large pottery vessels for what must be winemaking. Below, workers are shown trapping birds, likely for food or ritual offerings. The act of pulling the net requires collaboration and synchronicity. What’s fascinating is how this mural presents a snapshot of the ancient Egyptian economy, where the bounty of the land and sky are turned into resources. The painting acknowledges the amount of human effort required in the production process, making us reflect on labor and the cyclical nature of life in Ancient Egypt.