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Head, Ptolemy III (?)

Ptolemaic Period
246–222 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
Wearing the diadem of a Ptolemaic ruler, this head is thought to represent Ptolemy III.

The head is broken away from a vessel, probably a shallow cup or a bowl. These types of vessels served for libations in Greek culture, their centers adorned by a relief head (termed an emblema) of a figure from the circle of Dionysius. In Egypt, where the rulers associated themselves strongly with Dionysius, the divine emblema was often replaced by the head of Alexander or a Ptolemaic king.

Link to a blog about Ptolemaic Art at The Met
Nile and Newcomers: A Fresh Installation of Egyptian Ptolemaic Art

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head, Ptolemy III (?)
  • Period: Ptolemaic Period
  • Reign: reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes I
  • Date: 246–222 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H. 4.4 cm (1 3/4 in.); W. 3 cm (1 3/16 in.); D. 2 cm (13/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Peter Sharrer, 1981
  • Object Number: 1981.450
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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