Heimunu Seated. Giza; Fourth Dynasty, later reign of Khufu (ca. 2540 B.C.E.). Limestone with remains of paint; H. 61 1/4 in. (155.5 cm). Roemer-und Pelizaeus-Museum, Hildesheim (1962).

Heimunu was one of the most important individuals of the Old Kingdom. A long list of his titles is inlaid in now-partially discolored pastes on the base of the statue. He names himself "King's son of his own body"—though he is perhaps Khufu's nephew rather than his son—and cites numerous priestly roles and high administrative offices, including "Overseer of every construction project of the kind," a title that today is often understood as an architect. In this capacity, Heimunu would have supervised the construction of Khufu's Great Pyramid as well as this truly remarkable portrait. The statue originally was painted. The shape of the eyes and nose, badly damaged by ancient robbers, has been restored. The eyes were once inlaid in gold frames with rock crystal and would have shown in a lifelike way. Realistic details abound: most remarkable is Heimunu's proud obesity.