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King's Head with Egyptian Headdress but Greek Hair and Features

Ptolemaic Period
2nd century B.C. or early 1st century B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
This head depicts a Ptolemaic ruler in a style which combines a traditional kind of Egyptian royal image with certain markers of the Ptolemaic Greek origins - in particular Greek hair. The particular arrangement of this king's hair suggests Ptolemy VIII (170-163 and 145-116 BC) or Ptolemy X (107-88 BC) may be represented.

The dark stone of the statue suggests it may relate to the series of lifesize or under-lifesize statues functioning as ritual statues in the native royal cults supported by the Ptolemies.

Link to a blog about Ptolemaic Art at The Met
Nile and Newcomers: A Fresh Installation of Egyptian Ptolemaic Art

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: King's Head with Egyptian Headdress but Greek Hair and Features
  • Period: Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: 2nd century B.C. or early 1st century B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Gabbro
  • Dimensions: H. 6.6 cm (2 5/8 in.); W. 7 cm (2 3/4 in.); D. 5.3 cm (2 1/6 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Henry Walters, by exchange, 2008
  • Object Number: 2008.454
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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