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Head of a King, possibly Amememhat IV

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1814–1805 B.C. suggested
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
This small royal head is not easy to place in the history of Middle Kingdom art. The face is certainly reminiscent of images created late in the reign of Amenemhat III, but such resemblances are seen in many royal portraits created throughout late Dynasty 12 and Dynasty 13. There is one approach, however, that might lead to a tentative attribution of the head. Part of the lintel of a limestone shrine was found among the debris west of the pyramid of Amenemhat I (22.1.12), exhibited in gallery 109). It is inscribed with the name of Amenemhat IV. If there indeed existed a shrine for a statue of that king at the site, this head might once have been part of it. Except for small human faces on a row of uraei cobras, there is no other statue preserved showing the features of this son and successor of Amenemhat III.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of a King, possibly Amememhat IV
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12 (?)
  • Reign: possibly reign of Amenemhat IV
  • Date: ca. 1814–1805 B.C. suggested
  • Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Pyramid Temple of Amenemhat I, east, Pit 412, debris above burial chamber, MMA excavations, 1907–08
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: H. 14 cm (5 1/2 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1908
  • Object Number: 08.200.2
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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