Egyptian mythology in art reflects complex beliefs about creation, life, and the afterlife. Symbolism in Egyptian art draws heavily from these mythological origins, using visual representations to convey spiritual concepts and cosmic order.

Ancient Egyptian art is rich in symbolism, using visual elements to convey religious and philosophical ideas. These symbolic representations served both decorative and functional purposes, often imbued with magical or protective properties in daily life and the afterlife.

Origins of Egyptian mythology

• Egyptian mythology forms the foundation of ancient Egyptian culture and art, reflecting complex beliefs about creation, life, and the afterlife
• Symbolism in Egyptian art draws heavily from these mythological origins, using visual representations to convey spiritual concepts and cosmic order

Creation myths

• Heliopolis creation myth centers around the sun god Atum emerging from primordial waters (Nun) to create the world
• Hermopolis creation story focuses on the Ogdoad, eight primordial deities representing aspects of chaos
• Memphis creation narrative attributes the world's creation to Ptah through the power of divine speech and thought
• These creation myths often depicted in temple reliefs and papyri, symbolizing the emergence of order from chaos

Pantheon of deities

• Egyptian pantheon includes hundreds of gods and goddesses, each associated with specific aspects of life and nature
• Major deities include Ra (sun), Osiris (afterlife), Isis (motherhood), Horus (kingship), and Anubis (mummification)
• Gods often portrayed with animal heads or features, symbolizing their unique attributes and powers
• Deities frequently depicted in hierarchical arrangements, reflecting their relative importance in different regions or periods

Afterlife beliefs

• Ancient Egyptians believed in a complex afterlife journey, requiring proper burial rituals and tomb preparations
• Concept of Ma'at (cosmic order and justice) central to afterlife judgment, often depicted as weighing the deceased's heart against a feather
• Field of Reeds (Aaru) represented the ideal afterlife, a paradise mirroring earthly life but free from hardship
• Afterlife beliefs heavily influenced funerary art, including tomb paintings, amulets, and the Book of the Dead

Symbolism in Egyptian art

• Egyptian art is rich in symbolism, using visual elements to convey complex religious and philosophical concepts
• Symbolic representations in art served both decorative and functional purposes, often imbued with magical or protective properties

Animal representations

• Animals in Egyptian art symbolize specific deities or their attributes (cats for Bastet, falcons for Horus)
• Composite creatures combine human and animal features, representing divine aspects or supernatural beings
• Sacred animals often mummified and depicted in art, reflecting their importance in religious practices
• Animal symbolism extends to hieroglyphs, where animal signs represent sounds or concepts

Hieroglyphic symbols

• Hieroglyphs serve both as a writing system and a source of artistic symbolism in Egyptian art
• Ankh symbol represents life and immortality, frequently depicted held by gods or given to pharaohs
• Djed pillar symbolizes stability and the backbone of Osiris, often used in funerary contexts
• Eye of Horus (wadjet) represents protection, healing, and wholeness, commonly used as an amulet

Colors and their meanings

• Egyptian artists used a limited but symbolic color palette in their works
• Blue and green associated with rebirth, vegetation, and the Nile, often used to depict gods like Osiris and Amun
• Red symbolizes both life and destruction, associated with the desert god Seth and used to ward off evil
• Gold represents the flesh of the gods and the sun, extensively used in royal and divine imagery
• Black signifies fertility and regeneration, linked to the rich soil of the Nile and the god Anubis

Major mythological themes

• Egyptian mythology encompasses recurring themes that reflect the culture's worldview and values
• These themes heavily influence artistic representations, providing a visual narrative of cosmic and earthly events

Solar cycle

• Daily journey of the sun god Ra across the sky in his solar barque central to Egyptian cosmology
• Depicted in tomb paintings and temple reliefs, showing Ra's transformation from scarab (Khepri) to falcon (Ra) to ram (Atum)
• Night journey through the underworld represents the sun's rebirth and triumph over chaos
• Solar cycle symbolism extends to kingship, with pharaohs associated with Ra's daily renewal

Osiris myth

• Osiris myth central to Egyptian concepts of kingship, death, and resurrection
• Narrative depicts Osiris's murder by his brother Seth, resurrection by his wife Isis, and ascension as ruler of the underworld
• Artistic representations include Osiris as a mummified figure with green skin, symbolizing rebirth
• Isis often depicted with wing-like arms, protecting Osiris or their son Horus

Journey through the underworld

• Concept of the deceased's journey through the Duat (underworld) heavily featured in funerary art
• Book of the Dead provides spells and instructions for navigating the afterlife, often illustrated on papyri or tomb walls
• Judgment scene (weighing of the heart) commonly depicted, showing Anubis weighing the deceased's heart against Ma'at's feather
• Artistic representations include various obstacles and demons the deceased must overcome to reach the Field of Reeds

Artistic depictions of deities

• Egyptian gods and goddesses were central figures in art, representing cosmic forces and natural phenomena
• Artistic conventions for depicting deities evolved over time, reflecting changing religious and cultural beliefs

Anthropomorphic vs zoomorphic

• Egyptian deities often represented in both human (anthropomorphic) and animal (zoomorphic) forms
• Anthropomorphic depictions emphasize human-like qualities and interactions of gods
• Zoomorphic representations highlight specific attributes associated with animals (strength, wisdom, fertility)
• Composite forms combine human bodies with animal heads, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of deities

Attributes and iconography

• Gods and goddesses identified by specific attributes, crowns, and handheld objects
• Isis often depicted with a throne headdress, symbolizing her role as the mother of kings
• Horus represented with a falcon head or as a falcon, holding the was-scepter symbolizing power
• Anubis shown with a jackal head, often holding the ankh (life) and djed (stability) symbols

Composite deities

• Some Egyptian gods combined aspects of multiple deities, resulting in complex iconography
• Amun-Ra merges the hidden nature of Amun with the solar aspects of Ra, often depicted with a ram's head and sun disk
• Sekhmet-Bastet combines the fierce lioness goddess with the protective cat goddess, representing duality in nature
• Ptah-Sokar-Osiris unites creator, death, and resurrection aspects, often depicted as a mummiform figure with a falcon head

Funerary art and mythology

• Funerary art played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian burial practices, ensuring the deceased's successful journey to the afterlife
• Mythological themes and symbols in funerary art provided magical protection and guidance for the deceased

Tomb paintings

• Wall paintings in tombs depict scenes from daily life, religious rituals, and the afterlife journey
• Offering scenes show the deceased receiving food and goods for the afterlife
• Agricultural scenes represent the ideal afterlife in the Field of Reeds
• Mythological scenes, such as the weighing of the heart, provide magical assistance in the afterlife

Sarcophagi and mummy masks

• Sarcophagi often decorated with protective deities, spells, and scenes from the Book of the Dead
• Anthropoid (human-shaped) coffins became popular, featuring idealized portraits of the deceased
• Mummy masks, such as the famous mask of Tutankhamun, represent the deceased in a divine, idealized form
• Canopic jars, storing mummified organs, often depicted with heads of the four sons of Horus as protective guardians

Book of the Dead

• Collection of spells and instructions to guide the deceased through the afterlife
• Illustrated on papyrus scrolls or tomb walls, combining text and images
• Common scenes include the weighing of the heart, the deceased presenting offerings to gods, and navigating the underworld
• Vignettes depict protective deities, magical objects, and obstacles the deceased must overcome

Royal iconography

• Royal imagery in ancient Egyptian art emphasized the divine nature and cosmic role of the pharaoh
• Symbolic elements in royal iconography reinforced the pharaoh's authority and connection to the gods

Pharaohs as divine beings

• Pharaohs depicted with idealized, youthful bodies regardless of their actual age or appearance
• Royal figures often shown larger than other humans, emphasizing their divine status
• Pharaohs frequently portrayed in the company of gods or receiving divine blessings
• Cartouches containing the pharaoh's name written in hieroglyphs, symbolizing their eternal existence

Crowns and regalia

• Double crown (pschent) combines the white crown of Upper Egypt and the red crown of Lower Egypt, symbolizing unified rule
• Blue crown (khepresh) associated with warfare and often depicted in battle scenes
• Uraeus (cobra) on the forehead represents the goddess Wadjet and royal authority
• Crook and flail held by pharaohs symbolize their roles as shepherd of the people and enforcer of order

Symbolic gestures

• Smiting scene shows the pharaoh striking enemies, symbolizing triumph over chaos and maintaining cosmic order
• Offering scenes depict the pharaoh presenting gifts to gods, reinforcing their role as intermediary between humans and deities
• Embracing gestures between pharaohs and gods represent divine approval and protection
• Ankh symbol often shown being offered to the pharaoh's nose by gods, symbolizing the gift of life and divine breath

Mythological creatures

• Ancient Egyptian art features various mythological creatures, combining elements of real animals with supernatural attributes
• These creatures often serve symbolic roles in religious and funerary contexts

Sphinx

• Composite creature with a human head and lion's body, symbolizing royal power and wisdom
• Great Sphinx of Giza associated with the pharaoh Khafre, representing his divine authority
• Sphinxes often depicted as guardians of temples and tombs, protecting sacred spaces
• Ram-headed sphinxes associated with the god Amun, particularly in Thebes (modern Luxor)

Ammit

• Fearsome creature with the head of a crocodile, body of a lion, and hindquarters of a hippopotamus
• Known as the "Devourer of the Dead" in the judgment scene of the afterlife
• Ammit waits to consume the hearts of those deemed unworthy in the weighing of the heart ceremony
• Represents the fate of those who fail to live according to Ma'at (cosmic order and justice)

Bennu bird

• Heron-like bird associated with creation, rebirth, and the sun god Ra
• Believed to be the ba (soul) of Ra and connected to the cycle of time
• Often depicted with a distinctive two-feathered crest and long beak
• Inspiration for the Greek phoenix myth, symbolizing cyclical renewal and resurrection

Sacred architecture

• Ancient Egyptian architecture incorporated symbolic elements reflecting cosmic and religious beliefs
• Temple and tomb designs served both practical and spiritual purposes, embodying concepts of divine order

Temples and their symbolism

• Temples designed as "houses of eternity" for the gods, mirroring the structure of the cosmos
• Hypostyle halls represent primordial marshes, with columns symbolizing papyrus or lotus plants
• Sanctuaries typically dark and small, housing the god's statue and accessible only to high-ranking priests
• Relief carvings on temple walls depict rituals, mythological scenes, and interactions between gods and pharaohs

Obelisks and pylons

• Obelisks symbolize the benben stone of creation, associated with the sun god Ra
• Tall, tapering monoliths topped with pyramidions, often inscribed with hieroglyphs praising the pharaoh and gods
• Pylons, massive trapezoidal gateways, mark temple entrances and symbolize the horizon
• Flagstaffs on pylons represent the god's presence and cosmic stability

Orientation to celestial bodies

• Temples often aligned with celestial events, such as solstices or the rising of specific stars
• Abu Simbel temple oriented so that sunlight illuminates inner sanctum statues on specific dates
• Karnak temple complex includes structures aligned with seasonal changes and astronomical phenomena
• Pyramid complexes oriented to cardinal directions, with specific shafts aligned to celestial bodies

Evolution of mythological art

• Egyptian mythological art evolved over millennia, reflecting changes in religious beliefs, political structures, and cultural influences
• Artistic styles and themes adapted to different historical periods while maintaining core symbolic elements

Old Kingdom vs New Kingdom

• Old Kingdom art characterized by formal, idealized representations and strict adherence to artistic canons
• New Kingdom art shows greater naturalism, dynamic compositions, and increased focus on personal piety
• Royal iconography in the Old Kingdom emphasizes the pharaoh's divine nature, while New Kingdom art depicts more human-like interactions with gods
• Funerary art evolves from primarily elite tombs in the Old Kingdom to more widespread use of the Book of the Dead in the New Kingdom

Influence of foreign cultures

• Hyksos period introduces new artistic elements from the Near East, including horse-drawn chariots and composite bows
• New Kingdom expansion leads to increased cultural exchange, influencing artistic styles and iconography
• Amarna period under Akhenaten introduces radical changes in art, focusing on the Aten sun disk and more naturalistic royal depictions
• Late Period sees revival of older artistic styles alongside new influences from Greece and Persia

Ptolemaic and Roman periods

• Ptolemaic rule introduces Hellenistic elements, blending Greek and Egyptian artistic traditions
• Emergence of new syncretic deities, such as Serapis, combining aspects of Osiris and Greek gods
• Roman period continues syncretism, with Egyptian themes adapted to Roman artistic conventions
• Popularization of Egyptian motifs throughout the Roman Empire, influencing art and architecture beyond Egypt's borders

Modern interpretations

• Ancient Egyptian mythology and symbolism continue to inspire and influence modern art and culture
• Reinterpretation of Egyptian themes reflects changing perspectives on history, spirituality, and cultural heritage

Egyptian revival art

• 19th-century fascination with Egypt leads to Egyptian revival style in architecture and decorative arts
• Art Deco movement incorporates Egyptian motifs, particularly after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb
• Contemporary artists reinterpret Egyptian symbols and themes through various media and styles
• Egyptian-inspired public monuments, such as obelisks and sphinxes, found in cities worldwide

Influence on contemporary symbolism

• Ancient Egyptian symbols like the ankh and Eye of Horus adopted in modern spiritual and esoteric contexts
• Egyptian-inspired imagery used in logo design and branding, evoking concepts of wisdom, mystery, and timelessness
• Tarot decks and other divinatory systems incorporate Egyptian mythological figures and symbols
• Contemporary jewelry and fashion draw inspiration from ancient Egyptian designs and motifs

Mythology in popular culture

• Egyptian mythology featured prominently in films, television shows, and video games
• Comic books and graphic novels reimagine Egyptian gods and mythological concepts in new contexts
• Museums and exhibitions continue to showcase ancient Egyptian art, inspiring new generations of artists and enthusiasts
• Digital reconstructions and virtual reality experiences allow for immersive exploration of ancient Egyptian art and architecture