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Fragment of the Left Foot of a Royal Statue

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Close study of details on a small fragment can reveal an abundance of information about the original sculpture. The colossal size of this foot suggests that it belonged to a royal statue measuring more than ten feet high (if standing). The remains of the so-called Nine Bows, which symbolize all the potential enemies of Egypt, whom the pharaoh literally tramples and controls, can still be seen below the foot. This small but significant detail illustrates one of the king’s main functions—keeping the country secure and at peace.
MEDIUM Red granite
  • Reportedly From: Thebes, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1292–1190 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 19
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 6 7/8 x 9 7/16 x 8 1/4 in. (17.5 x 24 x 21 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.1490E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Fragment of a pink granite royal seated statue. Preserved are the front part of the foot including all the toes and a small portion of the plinth upon which are incised line representations of the nine bows. The toe nails are indicated. The foot is rather smooth with little modeling. Condition: Bottom of the plinth not preserved; small chips.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Fragment of the Left Foot of a Royal Statue, ca. 1292–1190 B.C.E. Red granite, 6 7/8 x 9 7/16 x 8 1/4 in. (17.5 x 24 x 21 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1490E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.1490E_front_PS2.jpg)
    IMAGE front, 37.1490E_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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