Tutankhamun's Tomb: The Thrill Of Discovery: Photographs By Harry Burton (Metropolitan Museum Of Art

Tutankhamun's Tomb: The Thrill Of Discovery: Photographs By Harry Burton (Metropolitan Museum Of Art) - A Review

If you are fascinated by ancient Egypt and the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, you will love this book. It features a collection of stunning photographs by Harry Burton, who documented the excavation of the tomb by Howard Carter and his team from 1922 to 1932.

Harry Burton was a skilled photographer who worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Theban Expedition. He was hired by Carter to capture the wonders of Tutankhamun's tomb, both in situ and in his studio. He used natural and artificial light, as well as different angles and perspectives, to create images that are not only valuable scientific records but also works of art.

The book contains over 100 photographs, many of which are published for the first time. They show the tomb as it was found, with its four chambers filled with thousands of objects, some of which had never been seen before. They also show the process of recording, removing, and preserving the artifacts, as well as some of the people involved in the excavation.

The book also includes an introduction by James P. Allen, an expert on ancient Egyptian language and culture, and an essay by Susan Allen, a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They provide historical and archaeological context for the photographs, as well as insights into Burton's work and legacy.

Tutankhamun's Tomb: The Thrill Of Discovery: Photographs By Harry Burton (Metropolitan Museum Of Art) is a must-have for anyone interested in ancient Egypt, archaeology, or photography. It is a rare opportunity to witness one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 20th century through the eyes of a master photographer.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Burton's photographs is his use of different techniques to capture the details and beauty of the objects. He experimented with various types of film, filters, lenses, and lighting to achieve the best results. He also cropped, enlarged, and retouched some of his images to enhance their clarity and impact.

For example, he used orthochromatic film, which was sensitive to blue and green light but not to red, to create dramatic contrasts between the gold and blue objects and the dark background. He also used panchromatic film, which was sensitive to all colors of light, to render more naturalistic tones and textures. He sometimes used color filters to correct or emphasize certain hues, such as yellow or red. He also used different lenses to create different effects, such as wide-angle, telephoto, or macro.

Burton also employed various sources of light to illuminate the objects. He used natural light from the sun or the moon when possible, but he also used artificial light from flash powder, magnesium ribbon, or electric lamps. He often combined different types of light to create a balanced and harmonious composition. He also used reflectors, mirrors, or white cloths to bounce or diffuse light and avoid harsh shadows or glare.

Burton's photographs are not only technical achievements but also artistic expressions. He carefully composed his shots to create a sense of drama, mystery, or emotion. He chose the best angles and perspectives to show the objects in their context or in isolation. He sometimes arranged the objects in a symmetrical or asymmetrical way to create a pleasing or dynamic balance. He also paid attention to the negative space and the contrast between light and dark. a474f39169