Stela of Lady of the House Iytenhab
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.
This poignant stela is dedicated to a woman named Iytenhab, who is shown seated on a chair painted to imitate an animal skin. Her common title, "lady of the house," is generally thought to designate a woman’s married status, but here her husband is neither portrayed nor mentioned in the text. Across the large table, Iytenhab’s son sits on the lap of another woman, who might have cared for the infant after his mother’s premature death.
This poignant stela is dedicated to a woman named Iytenhab, who is shown seated on a chair painted to imitate an animal skin. Her common title, "lady of the house," is generally thought to designate a woman’s married status, but here her husband is neither portrayed nor mentioned in the text. Across the large table, Iytenhab’s son sits on the lap of another woman, who might have cared for the infant after his mother’s premature death.
Artwork Details
- Title: Stela of Lady of the House Iytenhab
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12
- Date: ca. 1981-1802 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Fayum Entrance Area, Haraga, Cemetery A, Tomb 124
- Medium: Limestone, paint
- Dimensions: H. 48 cm (18 7/8 in.); W. 38 cm (14 15/16 in.); D. 14 cm (5 1/2 in.)
- Credit Line: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art