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Egypt, beginning of the Ptolomaic period (305 – 200 BC)
Fine limestone
24 x 18 cm
Inv. no. 167
Representing the head of a pharaoh in profile wearing the khepresh, the blue crown used by the monarch in battle or on ceremonial occasions, and a necklace depicted in minute detail. The khepresh is ornamented in front with the uraeus, the symbol of royal power, and behind by the falcon god Horus, protector of royalty, which holds the symbol of eternity, shen with its claws.
Despite the delicacy and precision of the detail, this low-relief was only a preparatory study for a final work, carried out shortly before the death of Alexander the Great, at a time when Ptolomey Soler, son of the Governor of Egypt, took over power, governing as king.
Navigating through Ancient Egypt (minisite)
Provenance / Bibliography |
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