The deep-set, heavy-lidded eyes, the thin lips, and the series of diagonal furrows marking the rather hollow cheeks give representations of this king a brooding expression not usually found on the faces of Egyptian kings, who are generally portrayed with a more youthful countenance. Although it lacks any inscription, this fragment is easily identified as a likeness of Senwosret III. However, unlike the stern features seen on the face of the king's gneiss sphinx, the expression here is somewhat softened, suggesting the face of a living, aging man. This image is one of the few instances in Egyptian art in which the ruler seems consciously to have chosen to represent his humanity rather than an idealized image of eternal kingship. (MMA)
The original is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Weight: 575 Gms / 1lb 5oz.
Dimensions: 20 x 13 cm./ 7 x 5 in.
Red Clay
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