Egypt

COLLECTION DKM

30.09.2011 – 09.04.2012

For the exhibition, a catalogue of the collection the of egyption art with illustrations dedicated to all the works of the collection has been published, with an art-historical introduction and scientific description by Dr. André Wiese (Head of the Egyptian Art Department of the Antiquity Art) Museum Basel), sponsored by the Kunststiftung NRW.

Relief with head of a courtier, Limestone, traces of red paint, 9.0 x 11.1 x 4.2 cm HWD, Old Kingdom, 5th/6th Dynasty, c. 2450–2200 BCE, Acq. No. 020.007.0002

The art of Egypt has fascinated Europe since Napoleon’s expeditions from 1798 to 1801. The ancient Egyptians, for whom the line was the most important means of expression, sculpted exquisitely beautiful vessels and animals figures as early as prehistoric 3000 BCE. The Collection DKM has exhibits from every period in ancient Egyptian history, including vessels, reliefs and freestanding sculptures made of various materials. Few pieces from this section of the DKM Collection could be seen until now, as many of these were on long-term loan to the Basel Museum of Ancient Art and Ludwig Collection. For the first time, these will be included in a comprehensive, public presentation that includes 19th century travel photographs and contemporary images by Ulrich Tillmann.