The Art of Counting project developed over a span of several years. It resulted from immersing an Egyptologist in a statistically-constructed, data-driven universe where numbers, rather than intuition, guide research pathways. Through direct interaction with nearly a dozen high level statisticians and data analysts, a method for applying this quantifiable approach to visual material was developed. During this early phase, I was asked to submit an article to a volume in honor of a former professor and produced a submission outlining the initial stage of the project and its potential.
My MA thesis at the Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology (University of Memphis), which was directed by Dr. Stephen Harvey, focused on the iconography on the decorated chariot body discovered in the tomb of Thutmosis IV. This intricately embellished vehicle is covered with battle scenes of the king riding in his chariot and, on the interior, pharaoh is shown as winged sphinx trampling Asiatic and Nubian foes. By analyzing the scenes, examining comparative material (such as the chariots discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun), and correlating this visual data with the body of textual references to the chariot, this discussion linked the royal vehicle with the king’s solar connections and his role in maintaining cosmic order.
These concepts were further developed under the tutelage of Dr. David O’Connor, resulting in an article that was recently published in the Proceedings of the First Egyptian Chariot Conference.
Fill out the form below to obtain the download link for the PDF of Dr. Calvert’s dissertation, “The Integration of Quantitative and Qualitative Research in a Study of the Regalia of Ramses III” (doctoral degree conferred by the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University in May 2011).
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