Headless statue of Babaef as younger man

Old Kingdom

ca. 2475–2450 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 103

The two statues 64.66.1 and 64.66.2 were found in the mastaba of Babaef. They are part of a set of as many as sixty representations of him in alabaster, red and black granite, and limestone. The taut flesh and muscles and the energetic stride of his youth in 64.66.1 contrast with the softened muscles, lost flesh tone, and measured stride of his maturity in 64.66.2.

Babaef was a vizier and overseer of all construction projects. He was described as "king's son of his body" and "unique associate of his father," though the king himself is not mentioned by name.

Artwork Details

Overview

Translation

Provenance

References

Title: Headless statue of Babaef as younger man
Period: Old Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 4–5
Date: ca. 2475–2450 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Giza, Western Cemebery, Mastaba G5230, Harvard-Boston MFA excavations 1914
Medium: Limestone
Dimensions: H. 120.5 × W. 37.5 cm (47 7/16 × 14 3/4 in.)
Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1964
Object Number: 64.66.1
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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Seated Statue of King Menkaure, Indurated limestone — Seated Statue of King Menkaure
ca. 2490–2472 B.C.

Headless statue of Babaef as older man, Limestone — Headless statue of Babaef as older man
ca. 2475–2450 B.C.

Head of male statue, Limestone — Head of male statue
ca. 2649–2100 B.C.

Statue of Kneeling Captive, Limestone, paint — Statue of Kneeling Captive
ca. 2246–2152 B.C.

Mummified leg of beef case, Limestone — Mummified leg of beef case
ca. 2323–2255 B.C.

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