The artwork titled “Scarab Inscribed with the Name Maatkare (Hatshepsut) Flanked by Two Falcons, One Proffering An Ankh,” created by an artist from Ancient Egypt, dates back to approximately 1479 – 1458 BC. It is from the New Kingdom art movement and is classified as a symbolic painting.
The artwork is crafted in the form of a scarab, a representation widely revered in Ancient Egyptian culture. It prominently features the name Maatkare, an appellation associated with Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most illustrious pharaohs. The inscription is flanked by two falcons, symbolizing divine protection and power. One of the falcons is depicted bestowing an ankh, the hieroglyphic symbol for life, which underscores themes of eternal life and divine kingship. The entire composition is rendered in fine detail, with the scarab encapsulated within an oval border. This piece illustrates the Egyptians’ profound symbolic artistry and their devotion to their deities and rulers.
