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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
  • Place Found: Tuna el Gebel, Egypt
  • DATES 305–30 B.C.E.
    PERIOD Ptolemaic Period (probably)
    DIMENSIONS Height: 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)  (show scale)
    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.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
    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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