Writing board of an apprentice scribe [Egyptian] (28.9.5) | Work of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

Writing board of an apprentice scribe, Dynasty 11 or earlier (ca. 2030 B.C.)
Egyptian; Provenance unknown
Whitewashed wood and ink; H. 8 5/8 in. (22 cm)
Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1928 (28.9.5)

It is clear from the awkwardly formed hieroglyphs and their uneven spacing that this is the work of an inexperienced scribe who was practicing his penmanship. The board could be used again and again by wiping off the ink and adding a new coat of whitewash.

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Related Timeline(s)

• Egypt, 8000–2000 B.C.

Related Thematic Essay(s)

• The Tomb of Wah

Related Index Terms

Subject Matter/Theme

• Hieroglyphs

Technical Glossary

• Ink
• Whitewashed
• Wood

Citation for this page:

"Writing board of an apprentice scribe [Egyptian] (28.9.5)". In Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/twah/ho_28.9.5.htm (October 2006)

Learn more on www.metmuseum.org

See more works of art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection of Egyptian Art.

Writing board of an apprentice scribe, Dynasty 11 or earlier (ca. 2030 B.C.)
Egyptian; Provenance unknown
Whitewashed wood and ink; H. 8 5/8 in. (22 cm)
Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1928 (28.9.5)