Fragmentary Head of a King
For many years the fragments of this face were dispersed in various collections, but in 1993 it became possible to reunite the pieces through an exchange with the Petrie Museum, London (the cheek, 1993.27a, b), and a long-term loan from the Musée du Louvre, Paris (the eye, L.1993.21a, b). Part of a red jasper thumb in the collection (26.7.1398b) probably belonged to the same statue.
The original statue was probably what we call a "composite statue" in which the face and other areas of exposed flesh (the hands and feet) were carved from jasper and rest of the statue was carved from Egyptian alabaster, limestone, or wood. Although such statues most frequently come from the the reign of Akhenaten in the Amarna period (ca. 1353-1336 B.C.), this work has been dated to the reign of Akhenaten's grandfather, Thutmose IV, on stylistic grounds.
The original statue was probably what we call a "composite statue" in which the face and other areas of exposed flesh (the hands and feet) were carved from jasper and rest of the statue was carved from Egyptian alabaster, limestone, or wood. Although such statues most frequently come from the the reign of Akhenaten in the Amarna period (ca. 1353-1336 B.C.), this work has been dated to the reign of Akhenaten's grandfather, Thutmose IV, on stylistic grounds.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fragmentary Head of a King
- Period: New Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 18
- Reign: reign of Thutmose IV
- Date: ca. 1400–1390 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes
- Medium: Jasper
- Dimensions: fragments combined: H. 13.8 × W. 11.3 × D. 4.4 cm (5 7/16 × 4 7/16 × 1 3/4 in.)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
Rogers Fund, by exchange, 1993
Lent by Musée du Louvre - Object Number: 26.7.1398a
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
On loan to The Met
ca. 1400–1390 B.C.
ca. 1400–1390 B.C.
ca. 1479–1425 B.C.
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
ca. 1850–1700 B.C.
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.