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Egypt, Middle Empire (XII Dynasty / c. 1860 BC)
Obsidian
H. 12 cm
Inv. no. 138
This head, a masterpiece of Egyptian craftsmanship, was part of a full-length statue that probably portrayed the pharaoh Senusret III in his mature years. The pharaoh is wearing a pleated head-dress (nemes), with the sacred serpent (uraeus), the symbol of royal power. In this piece the artist conveys the impression of a firm but very human character, though revealing the burden of enormous responsibility inherent in his position.
Made of obsidian, volcanic glass, a material of great strength and fragility, this portrait was produced at a time when a definite cultural and artistic renaissance was taking place in Egypt, as was illustrated by the flourishing of portraiture.
Navigating through Ancient Egypt (minisite)
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