The lines are flowing, the movement is graceful, the modelling delicate.

The draughtsman was not hampered then as now, by the rigidity of the instrument between his fingers.

The reed brush attacked the surface perpendicularly; broadened, diminished, or prolonged the line at will; and stopped or turned with the utmost readiness.

So supple a medium was admirably adapted to the rapid rendering of the humorous or ludicrous episodes of daily life.

The Egyptians, naturally laughter-loving and satirical, were caricaturists from an early period.