Relief plaque with birds on both sides

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

Small Late Period and Ptolemaic reliefs or sculptures that depict a subject in a partial or unfinished way but are themselves complete objects constitute a special class of objects. These objects, sometimes called "sculptor's models/votives" by Egyptologists, were the material of a donation practice, perhaps connected with these centuries' prolific temple building. Unfortunately, there is little to illuminate us about the mechanics of such a donation practice. This example depicts a swallow on one side, and possibly a quail chick on the other.

Relief plaque with birds on both sides, Limestone

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Relief plaque with birds on both sides, Limestone
Relief plaque with birds on both sides, Limestone

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.