Is Queen Nefertari Playing Senet under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

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Quick Facts

Subject or theme: Royal life and afterlife journey
Year: c. 1279 B.C.
Artistic style: Maniera greca
Artist: Unknown Egyptian artist
Title: Queen Nefertari Playing Senet
Medium: Tempera on paper

Artwork Description

Queen Nefertari Playing Senet by Unknown Egyptian artist

The painting depicts Queen Nefertari, one of Ramesses II’s most beloved wives, engaged in the ancient Egyptian game of senet. Captured with remarkable detail and imbued with a serene stillness that belies its symbolic significance, this artwork exemplifies the maniera greca style—a captivating fusion of Italian Renaissance ideals and Byzantine artistic traditions. Created around 1279 B.C., during Ramesses II’s reign, it offers a glimpse into royal life and funerary beliefs of the New Kingdom period.

Subject Matter: The central figure is Nefertari herself, seated calmly at a table adorned with chess pieces—a deliberate juxtaposition reflecting both earthly governance and spiritual journey.
Style: Heavily influenced by Venetian painting techniques, particularly sfumato, the artist skillfully softens contours and creates atmospheric depth, departing from the flattened surfaces characteristic of Byzantine art. This stylistic choice underscores the desire to transcend mere representation and convey a profound sense of contemplation.
Technique: Employing tempera on paper—a medium favored by Cretan artists—the painting showcases meticulous layering and blending of pigments, resulting in luminous colors and subtle tonal variations that enhance the artwork’s visual impact.

The inclusion of senet is not merely decorative; it symbolizes the afterlife voyage undertaken by Egyptians after death. The game's progression represents obstacles encountered on this journey—challenges overcome through divine grace and wisdom. Furthermore, the presence of a bird – likely symbolizing resurrection – reinforces this thematic core. This detail speaks to the broader Egyptian preoccupation with immortality and the eternal soul’s quest for transcendence. Nina de Garis Davies, a prominent member of the Graphic Section of the Museum's Egyptian Expedition, undertook the painstaking task of recreating this masterpiece in 1921-1922. Her dedication to capturing the essence of Nefertari’s tomb—a site revered for its opulent decoration and symbolic representations—is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and her masterful execution. The facsimile copy serves as a testament to Davies' artistic prowess and her commitment to preserving Egyptian art history for future generations. Further Research:

The Met’s Open Access API: https://metmuseum.github.io/ Open Access Data and Public Domain Images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee. Image Request Form

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Artist Biography

early life and influences

nikolaos tzafouris, a renowned greek painter, was born in crete in 1450. he was part of the cretan school of painting, which was heavily influenced by the venetian style. tzafouris' work is characterized by the maniera greca style, a unique blend of italian and greek byzantine prototypes.

notable works and style

tzafouris' most notable works include christ bearing the cross, which is now part of the collection at the metropolitan museum of art in new york. this painting, dated between 1487-1501, showcases tzafouris' attempt to escape the typical flattened surface prevalent within the byzantine-influenced maniera greca. the italian renaissance painting style closely resembles the sfumato technique.

christ bearing the cross (metropolitan museum of art, new york)
madre della consolazione (private collection)
the congregation of the archangels (vatopediou monastery, mount athos, greece)

legacy and influence

tzafouris was a contemporary of artists such as andreas pavias, nicholas ritzos, and angelos akotantos. his workshop in heraklion, crete, played a significant role in the development of the cretan school. tzafouris' work has been widely studied, and his influence can be seen in various aspects of greek painting during the 15th-17th centuries.

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nikolaos tzafouris

1450 - 1520 , Greece

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Maniera Greca
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Venetian Painting']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Andreas Pavias
- Nicholas Ritzos
- Angelos Akotantos
Date Of Birth: Crete, Greece (1450)
Date Of Death: 1520
Full Name: Nikolaos Tzafouris
Nationality: Greek
Notable Artworks:
- Christ Bearing the Cross
- Madonna della Consolazione
- The Congregation of the Archangels
Place Of Birth: Crete

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