Upper Part of the Statue of a Fecundity Figure
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.
Fecundity figures were divine beings that symbolized the fertility and prosperity of the land. The life-affirming characteristics of this figure are symbolized by the two libation vessels—now largely broken—held in its fists. Fecundity figures are commonly found in relief decoration, but they were not usually represented in sculpture. The broken bar of stone on the left indicates that another figure was originally placed to the right of this one, perhaps another fecundity figure, as they are often depicted in groups.
Fecundity figures were divine beings that symbolized the fertility and prosperity of the land. The life-affirming characteristics of this figure are symbolized by the two libation vessels—now largely broken—held in its fists. Fecundity figures are commonly found in relief decoration, but they were not usually represented in sculpture. The broken bar of stone on the left indicates that another figure was originally placed to the right of this one, perhaps another fecundity figure, as they are often depicted in groups.
Artwork Details
- Title: Upper Part of the Statue of a Fecundity Figure
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12
- Date: ca. 1981-1802 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Granodiorite
- Dimensions: H. 75 cm (29 1/2 in.); W. 49 cm (19 5/16 in.); D. 37 cm (14 9/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art