Queen Nefertari being led by Isis - Met Museum Collection
Note: This is a modern copy of an original Inventory Number: 30.4.142 Original Dating: New Kingdom, Ramesside, Dynasty 19, ca. 1279–1213 B.C. Location Information: Original from Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Valley of the Queens (Biban el-Malikat), Tomb of Nefertari (QV 66)
Description:
Nefertari was the main wife of pharaoh Ramesses II and her tomb with its vivid wall paintings is one of the most beautiful tombs in Egypt. This watercolor copy depicts the queen (left) being led by the goddess Isis (right). Noteworthy is that Nefertari’s husband, Ramesses II, is absent in these scenes, indicating the queen's high status that allowed her to directly interact with the deities without him; such depictions would not be possible for non-royal individuals.











