Papyrus with Satirical Vignettes
Probably from Thebes
New Kingdom, Nineteenth or Twentieth Dynasty (about 1295-1069 B.C.)
Polychrome painting on papyrus, 6-1/8 X 23 in.
EA 10016/1, acquired in 1834 (cat. no. 78)
©Trustees of The British Museum, Courtesy AFA

This papyrus shows a lion and an antelope playing a peaceful board game, while a fox, hyena, and wild cat herd goats and geese. During the late New Kingdom, Theban artists produced many sketches of animals engaged in human activities, but only three painted examples on papyrus survive. It remains unclear whether these lively scenes satirized human nature in general or specific individuals and events.