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Cosmetic Vessel in the Shape of a Dwarf

New Kingdom, Amarna Period
ca. 1353–1323 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121
The twisting motion of the dwarf carrying a heavy storage jar on his shoulder defies the usual rigid frontality of Egyptian statuary, making this a true piece of sculpture in the round. Such an artistic liberty was acceptable for whimsical representations of anonymous servants but never would have been allowed in formal sculpture, even in the more expressive art of the Amarna period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cosmetic Vessel in the Shape of a Dwarf
  • Period: New Kingdom, Amarna Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Amenhotep III–Akhenaten
  • Date: ca. 1353–1323 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt; Said to be from Middle Egypt, Amarna (Akhetaten)
  • Medium: Travertine (Egyptian alabaster) (?)
  • Dimensions: H. 20.8 cm (8 3/16 in.); W. 9 cm (3 9/16 in.); D. 7.9 cm (3 1/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.1963
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

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Cosmetic Spoon in the Shape of Swimming Woman Holding a Dish, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), steatite
Cosmetic Spoon in the Shape of Swimming Woman Holding a Dish
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Ointment Jar, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Ointment Jar
ca. 1981–1952 B.C.
Cosmetic Vessel in the Shape of a Cat, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), copper, quartz crystal, paint
Cosmetic Vessel in the Shape of a Cat
ca. 1990–1900 B.C.
Handle of a Cosmetic Spoon in the Form of a Leopard, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Handle of a Cosmetic Spoon in the Form of a Leopard
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Canopic Jar (07.226.1) with a Lid Depicting a Queen (30.8.54), Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), blue glass, obsidian, unidentified stone
Canopic Jar (07.226.1) with a Lid Depicting a Queen (30.8.54)
ca. 1349–1330 B.C. or shortly thereafter

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