Nefertari, the favorite queen of Rameses II, was buried about 3200 years ago in the most exquisitely decorated tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Queens. Discovered in 1904 by Italian explorer, Ernesto Schiaparelli, the tomb had deteriorated to a disastrous extent when emergency consolidation began in 1986. The six-year conservation project of the Getty Conservation Institute and the Egyptian Antiquities Organization was completed in 1992. In November 1995 the tomb was reopened to visitors.

In this fascinating exploration of the tomb, John K. 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 Egyptian beliefs. McDonald also offers insights into the life of Nefertari, the developments and symbolism of royal tombs, and the construction and decoration of the tombs.

This premier volume in the Conservation and Culture Heritage series is illustrated with historic black-and-white images and more recent color photographs that reveal the vibrant beauty of the wall paintings. Visitors to the tomb and the armchair traveler alike will find this an excellent resource for understanding Nefertari's journey to the afterlife.

John K. McDonald is an Egyptologist and art historian and former associate director of the Yale University Art Gallery.

This title is out of print. Please look for it at your local libraries and/or used bookstores.

Related Getty Conservation Institute projects: The Tomb of Nefertari

Series: Conservation And Cultural Heritage