Egyptian Solar Barque: A Soul’s Journey

Egyptian Solar Barque: A Soul’s Journey
Serti Technique on Silk
 
      I’ve always been fascinated by the boats of ancient cultures, not just for their style but for their purpose—both in daily life and as vessels for the gods and the soul.
 
      This silk painting captures the sacred journey of the Egyptian solar barque, inspired by a Nineteenth Dynasty painting from the tomb of Irynefer. It depicts the celestial Nile of the afterlife, where Irynefer stands in reverence to the Great Blue Heron, a symbol of the soul (ba) and the sun god Ra.
     The heron, known as Benu, rises from the primeval waters, much like the sun itself. Its name, meaning “to rise” or “shine,” connects it to the cycle of rebirth and resurrection. The boat is adorned with powerful symbols: the eye of Udiet (divine grace), the protective Wadjet (eye of Horus), and the winged scarab on Irynefer’s necklace. Each detail adds layers of meaning, reflecting the soul’s journey through the afterlife.
      In Egyptian mythology, Ra’s solar barque sails across the sky by day, bringing light to the world, and navigates the underworld by night, facing the serpent-demon Apep. This daily cycle symbolizes renewal, resurrection, and the eternal balance of Ma’at—divine order and harmony.

This piece, painted in the serti technique on silk, is a tribute to the artistry and symbolism of ancient Egypt. The original silk painting was 25"x20".
 
 
Technical Details
Printed using a museum-quality giclée process with archival pigmented inks on fine art paper or canvas
With proper care, prints are designed to retain their color and detail for decades
Paper and rolled canvas prints ship in reinforced protective tubes
Stretched canvas prints ship flat
Images shown online are watermarked; your print will arrive without watermarks
Rolled canvas is available for collectors who prefer custom framing or stretching, and for oversized works