Statue of an Official

Place CreatedEgypt, Africa

CultureEgyptian

PeriodNew Kingdom, Dynasty 18, Reign of Thutmose III

Date1479-1425 BCE

MediumDiorite

Credit LineGift of the Georges Ricard Foundation

Dimensions12 11/16 x 11 13/16 x 5 15/16 in., 16 kg 500 g (32.3 x 30 x 15.1 cm, 36 lb. 6 oz.)

Object number2018.010.075

Label TextThe 54 year reign of Thutmose III was a prosperous and stable period. The king's long reign was supported by a network of government officials, one of whom is depicted in this statue. While his face is damaged, you can still make out the squre chin and the elegant lines of the eyes and brows that characterized Thutmoside Period art. It is clear that this official served Thutmose III and not his co-regent Hatshepsut because of the former's cartouches on his upper right pectoral and right upper arm. There are remains of rolls of fat under his chest, a common marker of prosperity and status, suggesting the the official was original shown seated or kneeling.
Exhibition HistoryLife and the Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Art from the Senusret Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 4 - August 6, 2023
Published ReferencesMunzen und Medaillen A.G., Basel, Werke Agyptischer Kunst von der Fruhzeit bis zur Spatantike, Agyptische Munzen, Sammlung eines osterreichischen Diplomaten, Genfer Privatsammlung und anderer Privatbesitz (April 28, 1972), 16 and 35, lot 57.
Melinda K. Hartwig, ed., Life and The Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Art from the Senusret Collection (Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, 2023), catalogue entry 25.

ProvenanceWith Munzen und Medaillen A.G., Basel, Switzerland, April 28, 1972. Purchased by Georges Ricard (1921-2012) from Pino Donati [Arte Classica], Lugano, Switzerland, October 1, 1975. Ex coll. Musée de l'Égypte et le Monde Antique, Collection Sanousrit, Monaco, 1975-1982. Ex coll. Georges Ricard Foundation, Santa Barbara, California.

InscribedCartouche of Menkheperre on right pectoral and right upper arm

Markings"10/9/23/2" painted on back.

Status

Not on view

Collections