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Headless statue of Babaef as older man

Old Kingdom
ca. 2475–2450 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 103
The two statues 64.66.1 and 64.66.2 were found in the mastaba of Babaef. They are part of a set of as many as sixty representations of him in alabaster, red and black granite, and limestone. The taut flesh and muscles and the energetic stride of his youth in 64.66.1 contrast with the softened muscles, lost flesh tone, and measured stride of his maturity in 64.66.2.
Babaef was a vizier and overseer of all construction projects. He was described as "king's son of his body" and "unique associate of his father," though the king himself is not mentioned by name.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Headless statue of Babaef as older man
  • Period: Old Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 4–5
  • Date: ca. 2475–2450 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Giza, Western Cemetery, Mastaba G5230, Harvard-Boston MFA excavations 1914
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: H. 141 × W. 33.5 cm (55 1/2 × 13 3/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1964
  • Object Number: 64.66.2
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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Headless statue of Babaef as younger man, Limestone
Headless statue of Babaef as younger man
ca. 2475–2450 BCE
Head of King David, Limestone, light fine-grained, French
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French
ca. 1145
The King's Acquaintances Memi and Sabu, Limestone, paint
The King's Acquaintances Memi and Sabu
ca. 2575–2465 BCE
Virgin and Child, Claus de Werve Netherlandish, Limestone with paint and gilding, French
Virgin and Child
Attributed to Claus de Werve
ca. 1415–17
Nikare with his Wife and Daughter, Limestone, paint
Nikare with his Wife and Daughter
ca. 2420–2389 BCE or later

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