Relief

Place CreatedEgypt, Africa

CultureEgyptian

PeriodNew Kingdom, early Dynasty 19

Date1292-1279 BCE

MediumLimestone (marl)

Credit LineGift of the Georges Ricard Foundation

Dimensions21 7/8 x 35 13/16 x 1 9/16 in. (55.5 x 91 x 4 cm)

Object number2018.010.447

Label TextIn ancient Egypt, seal bearers performed a critical function on behalf of the crown. Only high officials designated by the king could possess the official seal. Signet rings inscribed with the royal seal were used to mark official documents and belongings and guaranteed the integrity of what was sealed.

The relief depicts a seal bearer and his attendants at a banquet. The first attendant holds out a signet ring that dangles from a cord. Leaning forward, he smooths out the seal bearer’s calf-length double apron. The second attendant carries the seal bearer’s staff of office and a long, looped kerchief. All have shaved heads, suggesting their religious affiliation. At the far left stands a tall bouquet. At the far right are two registers of kneeling female banqueters. They wear long wigs with perfumed, unguent cones on their head, long dresses, and wraps. Some hold floral bouquets to their nose, and others sniff lotus flowers. Unfortunately, the texts are abraded, making it impossible to discern names, titles, and filiations.
Exhibition HistoryLife and the Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Art from the Senusret Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 4 - August 6, 2023
Published ReferencesMelinda K. Hartwig, ed., Life and The Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Art from the Senusret Collection (Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, 2023), catalogue entry 66.

ProvenanceEx coll. Georges Ricard Foundation, Santa Barbara, California, possibly purchased from from Jean-François Mignon, Aix-en Provence, France.

Status

Not on view

Collections