Block statue of Mersuptah
This block statue depicts the “Overseer of Works in the Temple of Ptah,” Mersuptah, whose name and title are included in the hieroglyphic text inscribed across the front of his legs and feet. He is in a squatting position, indicated by his hands resting on his knees just below his face. The lack of definition in his legs and feet gives the impression that he is enveloped in a cloak. He wears a layered wig, with the division between the upper and lower sections indicated by the thinly carved line that runs from his temples to his shoulders. The dating of Mersuptah's block statue is contested, with suggestions falling between the late New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period.
Artwork Details
- Title: Block statue of Mersuptah
- Period: Third Intermediate Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 22–23 or earlier
- Date: ca. 945–712 B.C. or earlier
- Geography: From Egypt; Probably from Memphite Region, Memphis (Mit Rahina)
- Medium: Quartzite
- Dimensions: H. 22.5 cm (8 7/8 in.)
base: H. 4.6 × W. 11.7 × D. 12.9 cm (1 13/16 × 4 5/8 × 5 1/16 in.) - Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. S. W. Straus, 1925
- Object Number: 25.184.14
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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4th century B.C.
360–343 BCE
278–270 B.C.
690–610 B.C.
300–250 B.C.
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