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Statuette of a striding man

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1919–1878 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
William C. Hayes has rightly called this the "finest of the Museum’s standing figures in stone." The impression of utter perfection conveyed by the small image is based on its even proportions and the balance between the forward movement of the left leg and the slight upward lift of the head. With these formal qualities, an attitude of equilibrium is expressed, which ancient Egyptians considered ideal human behavior. "Patience is a man’s monument, quietness is excellent, calmness is good." These and many similar admonitions were taught to the aspiring member of ancient Egypt’s elite.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Statuette of a striding man
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: mid-Dynasty 12
  • Date: ca. 1919–1878 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Greywacke
  • Dimensions: H. 32.2 cm (12 11/16 in.); W. 9.2 cm (3 5/8 in.); D. 15.6 cm (6 1/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1907
  • Object Number: 07.228.180
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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