http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting Discover some of Egypt's most remarkable relief sculptures and paintings, displayed in the tombs of leaders such as King Tut or Queen Nefertiti en Copyright 2013, History.com Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-06-20T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo1 Carved around 3000 BCE, the Palette of Narmer is one of the earliest religious relief sculptures of Ancient Egypt. In subsequent years sculptures like this would be carved into the walls of temples. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo2 This wooden panel, from the burial grounds at Saqqarah, depicts the Egyptian dignitary Hesire. Carved between 2649-2575 BCE, it demonstrates careful detail in low relief. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo3 These painted geese, from the tomb of Nefermaat and Atet at Maydum (c. 2620 BCE), represent some of the earliest examples of Egyptian painting. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo4 This low relief scene of everyday life comes from the tomb of Ti at Saqqarah. It was carved between 2494-2345 BCE. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo5 The tomb of Kheti at the Beni Hasan necropolis (c. 1938- 1630 BCE) demonstrates how entire rooms could be covered with relief sculpture or paintings. Many Egyptians believed this type of decoration guaranteed a continuation of life. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo6 This wall painting from Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Dayr al-Bahri displays vibrant color and striking detail. Hatshepsut gained unprecedented power for a woman, reigning over Egypt from 1473- 1458 BCE. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo7 Painting of Queen Nefertiti playing a game, c. 1320-1200 BCE. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo8 This wall painting depicts King Tutankhamen with Egyptian gods Anubis and Nephthys. King Tut ruled from 1333- 1323 BCE. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo9 This painted relief sculpture (probably of the god Anubis) shows a refined artistic style that characterized the reign of Seti I (1290- 1279 BCE). http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo9 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo10 Another example of low relief sculpture from the Temple of Seti I. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo10 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo11 The Book of the Dead was a compilation of mortuary texts believed to protect the deceased. It was compiled, reedited and copied many times, often colorfully illustrated. This particular page depicts the seated god Osiris, the judge of the dead. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-relief-sculpture-and-painting/photo11