Head of a Statue of an Early Middle Kingdom King
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.This object is not part of The Met collection. It was in the Museum for a special exhibition and has been returned to the lender.
Stylistically, this head occupies a middle ground between the more archaic representation of Mentuhotep II in the entrance gallery and the sculptures of Senwosret I in this gallery. Since two inscribed statues of Amenemhat I, Senwosret I’s predecessor, share with this head the round face and full lips, an attribution to that king is possible. Based on the asymmetrical back, the Basel head belonged to a group statue, most likely representing the king with a deity.
Stylistically, this head occupies a middle ground between the more archaic representation of Mentuhotep II in the entrance gallery and the sculptures of Senwosret I in this gallery. Since two inscribed statues of Amenemhat I, Senwosret I’s predecessor, share with this head the round face and full lips, an attribution to that king is possible. Based on the asymmetrical back, the Basel head belonged to a group statue, most likely representing the king with a deity.
Artwork Details
- Title: Head of a Statue of an Early Middle Kingdom King
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Late Dynasty 11 - early Dynasty 12
- Date: ca. 2000-1952 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Greywacke
- Dimensions: H. 15 cm (5 7/8 in.); W. 14.5 cm (5 11/16 in.); D. 15 cm (5 7/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig, Department of Egyptian Art
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art