This exquisite example of Egyptian painting is on handmade papyrus paper with beautiful gouache paint. This original artwork shows the Egyptian Scarab in its metaphysical and mythological symbol raising the sun above its head. The ancient Egyptians saw the beetle as a representation of the sun being rolled across the sky. Thus, it was associated with the sunrise in religious belief. Since the Egyptians didn’t know the source of the beetle and its reproductive practices, the sudden appearance of hatched beetles, seemingly from nowhere, made it a symbol of spontaneous creation. Thus Khepri, as the scarab headed god, represented creation and rebirth, the rising sun and the mythical creation of the world. Scarab amulets were placed over the heart of the deceased during the mummification ritual. These "heart scarabs" were meant to be weighed against the feather of Ma´at (truth) during the final judgement. Scarabs were often inscribed with a spell from the Book of the Dead which instructed their heart .. "do not stand as a witness against me." This work is pristine as it never left the plastic encasement. Two plastic pins are missing but this has no effect on the artwork protected inside. Great Gift or addition to a collection! ART: WIDTH 8 3/8 INCH HEIGHT 6 3/8 INCH FRAME: WIDTH 10 ½ INCH HEIGHT 9 ½ INCH ITEM: 12