What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

There isn’t an obvious story being depicted here, but rather representation of a highly respected force in Saqqaran culture. Perhaps Jackals were honored or even prayed to by the ancient Egyptians.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

I notice the Jackal has a stark Grayish brown color which presents a stoic, sagely role; it is constant, stoic and unchanging. It is flowing, too, owing this quality to its recumbent position (as described in the title), and the inclusion of the Jackal’s flowy, sinous backside, which also demonstrates the artist’s grasp on proportion and line.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

Well, it says this was found by the Charles Edwin Wilbour fund, so naturally they would showcase all the artworks found by this fund. Other than that it is a prime example of Egyptian mysticism and religion.

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