Season Diane Dillon

The composition presents a scene steeped in ancient Egyptian iconography and symbolism. Four figures dominate the central space, arranged against a stark, neutral background framed by a decorative border featuring stylized sun motifs. The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – ochre, beige, brown – punctuated by accents of blue and gold, evoking the aesthetic conventions of Egyptian art.
On the left, a male figure with shaved head reaches towards a bare tree, seemingly attempting to pluck its branches or leaves. His posture suggests an action that could be interpreted as either nurturing or destructive, leaving the viewer in ambiguity regarding his intent. Adjacent to him, a female figure kneels, her face turned downwards and hands outstretched toward the central figure. Her elaborate headdress and attire indicate status, possibly royalty or priesthood.
Standing centrally is a regal woman adorned with intricate jewelry and a tall, linear headdress. She appears impassive, observing the scene unfolding before her. Above her floats an Eye of Horus, a potent symbol of protection, royal power, and good health. To the right stands a figure embodying Anubis, the jackal-headed god associated with mummification and the afterlife. He holds a staff topped with a cross-like emblem, further reinforcing his role as a guide or judge in the realm beyond death. Two circular forms are positioned on either side of the central figures; they resemble suns or eyes, adding to the overall sense of ritualistic significance.
The inscription AND A TIME TO DIE; located at the bottom of the composition provides a crucial contextual clue. It immediately suggests that the scene depicts a moment related to mortality and transition. The bare tree could symbolize loss, decay, or the cyclical nature of life. The act of reaching towards it might represent an attempt to grasp what is fleeting or to confront the inevitability of death. The kneeling figures gesture implies supplication or mourning. Anubis’ presence solidifies this interpretation, as he is intrinsically linked with funerary rites and the journey into the afterlife.
The painting seems to explore themes of mortality, ritual, power, and the cyclical nature of existence within a framework heavily influenced by ancient Egyptian beliefs. The artist has skillfully employed symbolic imagery and formal conventions to create a work that resonates with solemnity and invites contemplation on the human condition.