Head of Ptolemy II or III

Ptolemaic Period

246–222 BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

Only the head of what was once a rather large bronze statuette is preserved. Examination has shown that the material is a black bronze, an ancient patination that would heighten precious metal inlays, and that the statue had an iron armature.

The king has the single-arc brow line and a generally idealized appearance that is found for kings of the fourth century through at least Ptolemy II. However, compared to fourth century kings, the wider eyes and somewhat thicker and flatter lips represent new tendencies best understood in the context of changes happening in the period of Ptolemy II and III.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Head of Ptolemy II or III
Period: Ptolemaic Period
Reign: reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes I
Date: 246–222 BCE
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Black bronze
Dimensions: H. 6.5 cm (2 9/16 in.); W. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.); D. 4.6 cm (1 13/16 in.)
Credit Line: Purchase, Fletcher Fund and The Guide Foundation Inc. Gift, 1966
Object Number: 66.99.134
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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