ticketsMember | Make a donation

Head from a statuette

New Kingdom, Amarna Period
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121
The statue from which this small head is broken was probably a private icon. Such icons represent probably a revered, perhaps deceased, relative, overlord or other person, and were displayed in the home or other suitable places and received attentions and address from the living. This head was found in an unimpressive private house in a crowded area of the North Suburb: if it originated there, such a fine statue may have been commissioned by the person represented and given to those who were his dependents. See also 11.150.21.

In fact, it has long been discussed whether this head represents a non-royal male or a royal female. The subject wears a type of wig popular among royal women, but not exclusively so - it is also found on officials. The red skin color would point to a male, but skin color may not be a reliable indicator of sex in the Amarna Period. If a female were represented, it should be a princess forming part of a group and would be be placed in a shrine to the royal family at some home. But the preserved group statues all depict the princesses as young children - whatever their actual age. Given these considerations, it seems more likely the head is that of a male.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head from a statuette
  • Period: New Kingdom, Amarna Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Akhenaten
  • Date: ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Middle Egypt, Amarna (Akhetaten), House no. 68 (T36.68), Egypt Exploration Society excavations, 1930–31
  • Medium: Limestone, paint
  • Dimensions: H. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.); W. 3.1 cm (1 1/4 in.); D. 3.2 cm (1 1/4 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. John Hubbard and Egypt Exploration Society, 1931
  • Object Number: 31.114.1
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Trial Piece with Relief of Head of Akhenaten, Limestone
Trial Piece with Relief of Head of Akhenaten
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
Head of Akhenaten in the blue crown, sign traces at nape of neck, Indurated limestone
Head of Akhenaten in the blue crown, sign traces at nape of neck
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
Statuette of Taweret, Limestone, paint
Statuette of Taweret
ca. 1550–1504 B.C.
Kneeling Statue of Yuny, Limestone, paint
Kneeling Statue of Yuny
ca. 1294–1279 B.C.
Seated Statue of Hatshepsut, Indurated limestone, paint
Seated Statue of Hatshepsut
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.