E G Y P T O D I N I N G R O O M I painted this suite of murals for the Frederick family's home in South Pasadena, in the style of two outstanding artists whose work I admire: David Roberts (1796-1864), and Frederick Catherwood (1799-1854). Both artists traveled and painted the Levant and the 'Holy Lands', Roberts more famously, while Catherwood is better known for his paintings of ancient Mayan cities and temple sites. The initial concept for the murals came from a set of hand tinted postcards from the turn of the 20th century, prior to WWI, of the pyramids and the Sphynx. The Fredericks are avid collectors of antiques and period pieces from the '20s, '30s, and '40s. Their collection includes marvelous theatrical posters, books and magazines, objets d'art, and photographs. I couldn't resist the idea of creating a frieze of dancing 'Flappers' for their overdoor panel. One thing lead to another and before I knew it we were in the gardens of Babylon... ... with scantily clad haremettes enjoining us to feast!