The King as Priest
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
On View: Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
In acknowledgment of his role as chief priest of all the gods, the king is depicted in this statuette kneeling in homage. The pose is common among royal images and is attested throughout ancient Egyptian history beginning in the Old Kingdom.
MEDIUM
Wood
DATES
305–30 B.C.E.
PERIOD
Ptolemaic Period (probably)
ACCESSION NUMBER
52.53
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Soft brown wood statuette of a kneeling king, arms, in the round, extended over thighs and originally supporting some offering now lost. Nemes headdress, eyes painted yellow and black. Short kilt, inscribed on front center with single column of incised inscription 'the good god who has made monuments for his father Amon Re'. Probably a votive offering.
Condition: Left forearm missing. Wood in very soft condition. Object originally supported between hands now missing.
CAPTION
The King as Priest, 305–30 B.C.E. Wood, Height: 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 52.53. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.52.53_wwgA-2.jpg)
IMAGE
installation, West Wing gallery A-2 installation,
CUR.52.53_wwgA-2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2005
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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