From Library Journal
The first-of-its-kind exhibit cataloged here focuses on the women of Egypt from all levels of society in works compiled strictly from American collections by American curators. Because the quantity of written records is limited (though enormous in comparison to most early societies), there is still much guesswork involved in determining the place women held in Egyptian society. It is clear that, unlike most ancient and not-so-ancient societies, Egypt conferred on women the legal right to own property and to barter their own goods, which means a larger record for current study. The essays here are both erudite and fascinating to read; the illustrations are clear and well presented in conjunction with the text. An excellent new resource for public and academic collections about ancient Egypt and its art as well as for women's studies collections; highly recommended.?Mary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Midwest Book Review
In Mistress Of The House, Mistress Of Heaven, masterpieces of Egyptian art dating from 3000 to 300 BC have been brought together from more than 25 American museum and private collections to illuminate the role of women in ancient Egyptian society. Mistress Of The House, Mistress Of Heaven explores the full spectrum of women's lives and pursuits in both historical and artistic milieus through Pharaonic Egypt's 3000 year history. More than one hundred objects are reproduced in full color, and all are accompanied by brief and informative essays. Here are prime examples of stone and wood sculpture; wall painting; statuettes in bronze, terracotta, and faience; a mummy case; a painted and gilded wood coffin; jewelry in gold, stone, and faience; cosmetic and other vessels and utensils in bronze, glass, and stone. There are statues of individuals, couples, and family groups; genre figurines depicting daily activities; amulets, sacred cult objects, and burial assemblages. These works of art are organized into sections devoted to Public and Private Lives; Female Royalty; Goddesses, and Afterlife. Slaves, freewomen, aristocrats, priestesses, queens, and goddesses are all represented in their Egyptian contexts. Mistress Of The House, Mistress Of Heaven is wonderfully illustrated with 117 color plates, 112 b/w illustrations, and a map. The essays are as engaging as they are informative. Highly recommended for art history, Egyptology, and women's studies reading lists.
