Head of an old man

Ptolemaic Period

200–1 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

While related to Hellenistic theatrical mime-type terracottas, scholars have pointed out this small head does not show the same exaggerations and might better be thought of as a kind of genre representation. It is very finely made, testifying to the quality of the production at Memphis where it probably originated, and the large skull relates to an Egyptian type.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Head of an old man
Period: Ptolemaic Period
Date: 200–1 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt; Probably from Memphite Region, Memphis (Mit Rahina)
Medium: Pottery
Dimensions: H. 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in.); W. 3.3 cm (1 5/16 in.); D. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.)
Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
Object Number: 26.7.1431
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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