This limestone flake is called an ostracon—the ancient Egyptian equivalent to scrap paper. The smooth surfaces were ideal for sketching.

The two profiles on this side represent Senenmut, a commoner who rose through the ranks of Egyptian society to become a close advisor to Hatshepsut, the great female pharaoh of Dynasty 18. The right-hand sketch shows Senenmut with a short beard, an elaborate wig and deep lines in his face. The other profile looks younger, and the eye and mouth are straighter. There is a resonance between the two portraits which reminds us of the complex nature of human personalities—something of which the Egyptians were very much aware.

One of Senenmut’s titles was overseer of all works of the King, often translated as chief architect. He was probably the designer of Hatshepsut’s magnificent terraced temple at Deir el-Bahri, one of the architectural masterpieces of Ancient Egypt. The temple is so beautifully situated that the site is now used as a backdrop for major theatrical performances.

Like other great architects, since the time of Ihmotep in the Pyramid Age, Senenmut was given great honors by the Pharaoh. In addition to his powerful administrative position, he was tutor to Hatshepsut’s daughter, Neferure’.

Now, look at the image in the mirror behind the limestone flake. It’s a sketch of a rat. At least one historian thinks the rat is an early example of political satire, and a pointed reference to Senenmut’s overweening ambition. Its true that at some point—we don’t know when or why—opposition to Senenmut became serious. His images were defaced and his monuments destroyed. Turn around and you’ll see his quartzite sarcophagus. It had to be reassembled from more than 1200 fragments.