Egyptian art is impressive in its age and scale. Without reading the didactic on the wall, it is possible to appreciate the skill and vision of the ancient sculptors who created such intricate carvings, the scribes and painters who carefully documented the realm of the dead, and the metal-smiths who so painstakingly set amazing stones.

There is no doubt that “The Quest for Immortality,” which opened Nov. 5 [2006] at the Portland Art Museum (PAM), is awe-inspiring. To walk in the front entrance is to come face to face with a large, two-story statue of Rameses II, who reigned in Egypt between 1279 and 1213 BCE. The wall didactic is informative, but it’s really the audio tour that gives the most interesting background.

“The Quest” exhibition is based upon the excavations of the royal tombs at Tanis begun in 1939, and focuses upon Ancient Egyptian beliefs and rituals surrounding the dead...

The Quest for Immortality, Georgina Ruff, Portland State University Vanguard, Oregon, USA, November 14, 2006.