Relief Fragment with Part of a Hieroglyph

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1981–1975 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 106
The fragment belongs to a vertical column of inscription reading from left to right that was part of a group of texts carved in extremely low relief and exquisitely painted. Preserved are parts of seated-man-sign; the torso and legs are painted with a pinkish color, the kilt is white, and red outlines were used to highlight the different elements. The back contour of of the small figure is slightly concave, while the front has a rounded abdomen and a gentle dip below the now-missing breast. The separation between the upraised leg and the kilt is indicated by an incised line. To the left is part of a vertical black line separating columns of texts. The hieroglyph likely originates from inscriptions listing the titles and epithets of the tomb owner that were placed near representations of him. The darkish gray background preserves vertical brushstrokes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Relief Fragment with Part of a Hieroglyph
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Reign: reign of Amenemhat I, early
  • Date: ca. 1981–1975 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Southern Asasif, Tomb of Meketre (TT 280, MMA 1101), MMA excavations, 1920
  • Medium: Limestone, paint
  • Dimensions: H. 4 cm (1 9/16 in.); W. 14.4 cm (5 11/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
  • Object Number: 20.3.579
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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