House of Eternity: The Tomb of Nefertari (Culture and Conservation)

Nefertari, the favorite queen of Ramses II, was buried about 3200 years ago in the most exquisitely decorated tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Queens. Discovered in 1904, the tomb had deteriorated to a disastrous extent when emergency consolidation began in 1986. The six-year conservation project was completed in 1992 and in November 1995 the tomb was reopened to visitors. In this fascinating exploration of the tomb, McDonald takes the reader through each chamber, describing the hieroglyphic messages depicted in the brilliant wall paintings, and discussing the images within the context of the Egyptian belief system. The study also offers insights into the life of Nefertari, the development and symbolism of royal tombs, construction and decoration of the tombs, and the Getty Conservation Institute's role in restoring and stabilizing the wall paintings. This premier volume in the Culture and Conservation series is punctuated with historic black-and-white and more recent color photographs that illustrate the vibrant beauty of the wall paintings and the extent of their restoration. Visitors to the tomb and the armchair traveler will find this an excellent resource for understanding Nefertari's journey to the afterlife.