Shadow of the Sphinx: Ancient Egypt and Its Influence November 3, 2012

With the promise to serve the dead in their eternal life, ancient Egyptian artworks have mystified Western artists for centuries. Major historic events mark Westerners' affair with Egyptian culture--Napoleon's campaigns from 1798-1801, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, and the relocation of the obelisks "Cleopatra's Needles" in London in 1878 and New York City's Central Park in 1881. When King Tut's tomb was opened in 1922, the obsession with all things Egyptian exploded. From the simple lines of ancient hieroglyphs to gilded mummy masks, 'Shadow of the Sphinx' will present ancient Egyptian works never before brought together from private collections and museums. The exhibition will examine the varied and tremendous inspiration Egyptian artifacts have had on fine and decorative arts for more than 100 years.