The magnificent Solar Goddess, Bast (or Bastet) is the great Egyptian Goddess of Cats and protector of women and children. All cats were treated as her own children, and were themselves highly revered, being presented jewelry by their owners, often eating from the same plates, and given special funeral rites and rituals upon their deaths. Bast is also associated with perfumery, as her name (as Bastet) translates to "She of the Ointment Jar" earning her the epithet "Perfumed Protector", and is one of the avenging Eyes of Ra, protecting and avenging her people.

This was my first painting in about 6 months, so Bast has become very special to me! I don't have a new desk yet in my new place, so I painted her while sitting cross-legged on the floor with my two cats running around wreaking havoc until they settled down to watch me paint.