Humbert, J.M. & C.A. Price. Eds. 2003. Imhotep today: Egyptianizing architecture. - London, UCL Press (Encounters with ancient Egypt)

Abstract

Recently, I wandered through Brussels with friends. On our way we passed the modern buildings of the European Parliament, huge constructions of steel and glass. In this futuristic architecture, one detail struck me in particular: above a doorway, a highly stylized cavetto ornament of stainless steel was placed. Although the motif was rendered in a minimalistic way, the ornament itself was clearly recognizable as an Egyptianizing element, even for my friends, neither of which is an Egyptologist. Why is an architectural element of over 5000 years of age still included in obviously modern buildings? The organic architecture it represents has lost its original function the moment it became stylized in stone for the first time, but it’s derivation is still being used even today. The book ‘Imhotep Today: Egyptianizing architecture’ discusses the use of Egyptianizing elements in architecture around the world. The book is a volume in the series ‘Encounters with Ancient Egypt’ and is edited by Jean-Marcel Humbert and Clifford Price.

In general, the various authors present Egyptianizing art and architecture dating from mainly the period between 1800-1940. In this period, adding Egyptian details to constructions or even modelling them upon ancient Egyptian examples, was both done to have the onlookers marvel at the exotic display, and at the same time to show one’s own interest in this ancient culture and the wisdom it stood for. During the main period of Art Deco, ancient Egypt was quite fashionable and its stylized motifs fitted in very well in the decorative preferences of the time. Read more...