Histoire Naturelle - Birds - Plate 11 - Griffon Vulture ~ The vulture, or Gyps fulvus, was called 'Nrt' by the ancients. It was the manifestation of Nekhbet and Mut, who were depicted as the bird with their wings outstretched on the ceilings of temples as protection. The vulture often holds the shn symbol of eternity in its talons, offering eternal protection to the pharaoh and is closely linked to rulership. The hieroglyph of the vulture and the cobra forms the phrase 'Nbty' and is translated as the 'Two Ladies Name', one of the five names of Pharaoh. They are seen in the form of the Uraei, and is prominent on the forehead of the mummy mask of Tutankhamun.

Framed 35 1/2 inches x 28 inches ~ $3,000