In Egypt around 600 BC, an early Greek philosopher studies ancient text on a papyrus scroll under the tutelage of a local priest. The inspiration for this piece comes from stories of Greek philosophers studying their craft in Egypt, which they saw as a far older and wiser civilization. In some cases, the historicity of such visits is debatable, but I have no doubt the Egyptians influenced many aspects of Greek culture, most notably its art and architecture.
By the way, if it isn’t clear, the big pharaoh figure standing against the temple wall in the background is actually meant to be a colossal statue.