Pharaoh´s Handmaidens John Collier (1850-1934)

maids as maids

Its so beautiful. The luster and texture of the metal accessories and silk fabrics are stunning, and the flowers on their heads and in the dishes look as if they could be eaten.

The gaze is so captivating, like Klimts paintings; the women in his works have a direct and soul-stirring look at the viewer.

The headdresses they are wearing seem to be lotuses, but are lotuses really this small?

Heres some background information: In ancient Egypt, the lotus was considered a sacred symbol. It was deeply intertwined with their society and religious life, and it was loved by the ancient Egyptians for its beauty and pleasant fragrance. During the annual festival of Hefen, ancient Egyptians would often give lotuses to their wives or partners early in the morning, offering them the best blessings. According to legend, the lotus was also a symbol of the Nile River god Nafar-tun. It is said that during the reign of King Mina, people had the custom of eating lotuses. During festivals, ancient Egyptians would give lotuses to their guests. They would place wreaths of flowers on the foreheads of distinguished guests, allowing the flower buds to hang down from their foreheads. It has been discovered that in ancient Egyptian reliefs, Egyptians used lotuses to distinguish between hosts and guests. A lotus worn on the head indicated a guest, while one held in the hand signified the host. Women would insert lotuses into their hair or hold them in their hands, exchanging gifts during festivals.