Produced for the Smithsonian Channel, Secrets: The Sphinx (2013) provides an intriguing 45-minute look at the primary mysteries surrounding the Ancient Egyptian Sphinx in Giza: When was it created? and whom does the carved face atop the lion's body represent? Because it is carved directly from the bedrock, rather than assembled by blocks, it is difficult for archaeologists to accurately date the Sphinx based on construction. Surrounding structures and geographical features help fill in the gaps and shed some light on the mystery. The first theory presented is controversial, relating to the disproportionate body to head ratio of the Sphinx, and surmises the the carved human head was actually adapted and re-carved later on from a much older statue representing a lion that predated the Pyramids. Further theories, much more traditional in scope, focus on the positioning of the Sphinx in the foreground of the Pyramids. Cases are made for the Sphinx being created by the "Pyramid Pharaohs" Khufu, and alternately by his son, Khafre. Zahi Hawass, the famous Egyptologist, provides brief insight. However, the best and most brilliant contributions to the episode are provided by Melinda Hartwig, Associate Professor at Georgia State University. Delightful and photogenic, Dr. Hartwig's eloquent delivery and energy is truly engaging. In the end, the enduring mystery of the Sphinx still remains, but an enjoyable and informative presentation has been made.
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
Melinda Hartwig Photo: S. Smith: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza partly excavated: Secrets: The Sphinx
Melinda Hartwig with the Great Pyramid and Sphinx: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza as a Lion?: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
Zahi Hawass: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
Dr. Melinda Hartwig Photo: M. Knorr: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza: Secrets: The Sphinx
Melinda Hartwig: Secrets: The Sphinx
The Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza partly excavated: Secrets: The Sphinx
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, The Nativity Story (2006) made history by being the first film to hold it's world premiere at Vatican City. Shot in parts of Italy and Morocco, the film made diligent efforts to portray the two-thousand-year-old Biblical setting as accurately as possible. The sets, costumes and props were all meticulously chosen and designed, and the cinematography is brilliant. The cast, comprised of mostly lesser-known actors, does a fine job, including Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Oscar Isaac and Ciaran Hinds.
An ancient prophecy regarding the arrival of a new Messiah, the King of Kings, is well known. Understandably, King Herod (Ciaran Hinds) is concerned about the threat to his power...
The Nativity Story: King Herod
Three wise men also know of the prophecy, and having followed the alignment of the stars, they believe the Messiah will be coming soon...
The Nativity Story: the wise men
Meanwhile, in Nazareth, young Mary (Keisha Castle Hughes) has been betrothed to marry Joseph (Oscar Isaac), but their union is not to be consummated for one year...
The Nativity Story: Mary and Joseph
An angel comes to Mary, telling her that she is to give birth to the son of God, and that she shall name him "Jesus." With her never having been with a man, Mary's family and husband are horrified when she becomes visibly pregnant, fearing scandal and Mary's potential death by stoning for infidelity. The same angel comes to Joseph in a dream, however, explains everything and puts him at ease...
The Nativity Story: The Virgin Mary
When Herod learns that the new Messiah is a child of the House of David, he orders a census, requiring each man to return to the land of his ancestors...
The Nativity Story:
Being from Bethlehem, Joseph must bring the pregnant Mary along with him...
The Nativity Story: Joseph and Mary
on the long journey to his homeland...
The Nativity Story: Joseph and Mary
where, upon arrival, with no other decent lodgings, Mary gives birth to Jesus...
The Nativity Story: Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus
in a manger...
The Nativity Story: the birth of Jesus Christ
surrounded by a blessed few...
The Nativity Story: Adoration of the Magi
But knowing that Herod will not stop until the child is killed, the angel instructs Joseph and Marry to take the Christ child to Egypt for safety, until it is deemed safe for them to return...
-The first photo, from 1938, shows a portion of the damage inflicted upon the Worcester Art Museum when a hurricane passed through the region. The roof was nearly destroyed and the surrounding area was ravaged. When it came time to discuss reconstruction, the administration decided that rather than repair the old roof, they would instead take the opportunity to add a fourth level on top of the 1897 building. It was a decision that still incites criticism today, over 75 years later. At far left in the 1938 photo, the chimney and side of the Director's House can be seen (in the area that is now the courtyard and upper Tuckerman parking lot). Four decades ago, the house was torn down and the surrounding ground leveled to make way for the Higgins Education Wing. At present, the view is further altered by the addition of the 1983 Hiatt Wing, which envelopes the whole east side of the original Museum building.
-A safer storm, a painted tempest, "The Shipwreck" by Robert Hubert, resides in the European Galleries in the second "Then and Now" composition… seen both in 2008 and after the most recent renovation of the space. Note the 18th Century chairs against the Gallery walls in the older photo.
-The sketch depicts the bound figure of Cupid (minus the tortoise) from the great mid-19th Century marble piece by Richard Greenough in Gallery 332.
-It was requested that I repost the portrait sketch I made of photographer Ron Rosenstock. So here is my work paired with Ron's 2010 photograph "Stone Circle at Sheeffry, County Mayo, Ireland."
Hurricane Damage. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins
European Galleries. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins
Cupid Bound. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins
Ron Rosenstock by Travis Simpkins. Worcester Art Museum
