Casting Metal, Tomb of Rekhmire

Casting Metal, Tomb of Rekhmire is a painted reproduction by Egyptologist and illustrator Nina M. Davies. This work meticulously documents a scene of ancient Egyptian metalworking originally found within the Tomb of Rekhmire. Davies's contribution was part of a broader effort to preserve and disseminate visual records of ancient art.

The piece is part of the extensive collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering insight into both ancient crafts and the history of archaeological illustration.

The painting captures four individuals engaged in the demanding process of metal production. One figure stands, holding a tool with three prongs, while another carefully pours material into a long, rectangular mold. A third person leans on a stick, observing or resting, and a fourth kneels, holding a woven basket, possibly for raw materials or finished products.

This detailed depiction provides a window into the specialized labor and organized workshops of the New Kingdom period.

Davies's reproduction faithfully renders the original tomb painting, characterized by its earthy palette of reds, browns, and creams, which evoke an antique quality. The background includes remnants of faded hieroglyphic writing and a red wall marked with horizontal lines, suggesting the architectural context of the tomb. Her work reflects a precise illustrative approach, aiming for accuracy in capturing the visual information of the ancient Egyptian original rather than interpreting it stylistically.