Art Institute of Chicago launches 'Life & Afterlife in Ancient Egypt' exhibition

CAIRO – 14 February 2022: Ancient Egyptian art and pharaonic influences reached Chicago, USA with the 23 pharaonic mummies exhibited in the Field Museum and the statue of King Tutankhamun displayed at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute.

In the latest celebration of pharaonic antiquities in the United States, a new exhibition of pharaonic art has been launched at the Art Institute of Chicago under the title "Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt." The exhibition describes life in ancient Egypt, according to the American newspaper Chicago Sun-Times.

Stela of Amenemhat and Hemet, Middle Kingdom, early Dynasty 12, about 1956–1877 BCE

While the Art Institute's collection of about 1,000 pieces may not be as large as the holdings of the Field Museum or the Oriental Institute, it does speak more about artistic practice and the role of art in ancient Egypt.

Statue of Shebenhor, Late Period, Dynasty 26 (664-525 BCE)

Nearly 80 relics dating back 3,000 years will be displayed in the Art Institute's New Egyptian Gallery, a 3,150-square-foot space formerly dedicated to Islamic artwork, which is now distributed to other parts of the museum. 

Plaque Depicting a Quail Chick, Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BCE)

The gallery is located in the basement below the gallery that connects the modern wing to the American Galleries and the rest of the museum.

Model of a River Boat, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 11–12, about 2046–1794 BCE

Kohl Container in the Shape of a Palm Column, New Kingdom, mid–Dynasty 18 or early Dynasty 19, about 1352–1213 BCE

"It's a central collection of the museum's holdings," said Ashley Eriko, assistant curator of the museum.

Ancient Egyptian art is no longer included with the ancient Mediterranean art, which occupies the galleries on the first floor due to the reorganization of the museum departments since 2020.

The exhibits in the "Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt" are organized by themes rather than by chronology. Among the topics are religious practices in the ancient civilization as well as how cosmetics and jewelry were used.