As part of the Egyptian Gallery's reinstallation, the Virginia Musem of Fine Arts' 4000-year-old mummy, Tjeby, "the Count and Sealbearer to the King," is back on view.
"The Egyptian Gallery fascinates visitors and they are now able to gain a deeper understanding of mummies, both human and animal, as well as other ancient Egyptian objects," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Director Alex Nyerges said. "Enjoyment of these permanent collections will also offer visitors an experience to complement the upcoming Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb exhibition in November."
The Classical Galleries, which include Greek, Roman and Etruscan art were installed in December 2010. The newly installed Egyptian gallery emphasizes themes that encourage visitors to engage with the art and explore ancient cultures as well as their own culture. Objects range from the pre-Dynastic period - 3800 BCE through the Roman period. Notable items include VMFA's 3rd century Faiyum portrait of a woman, a papyrus scroll from the 3rd Intermediate Period, and a Late Period faience statuette of the protector-god Bes. A monumental statue portraying the Kushite king Senkamanisken as an Egyptian pharaoh greets visitors as they enter the gallery.