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Torso of a Saite King

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

The idealized modeling of this torso harks back to royal sculpture of Dynasty IV (circa 2600–2475 B.C.). Art historians use the term "archaism" to describe such a conscious evocation of earlier models in art. Archaism played a dominant role in the creative achievements of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty, perhaps in an effort to legitimize royal claims by linking the dynasty to Egypt's glorious past.

MEDIUM Schist
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 664-570 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 26
    PERIOD Late Period
    DIMENSIONS 6 1/16 x 4 13/16 x 1 9/16 in. (15.4 x 12.2 x 4 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 58.95
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Torso from a standing statuette of a king in dark green hard stone. Preserved portion includes only from base of neck to below belt and only front half of this part. Inscribed on belt but cartouche is broken. Of Psamtik I. Exceptional workmanship. Belt inscribed with ntr nfr, mr Imn-r'. Condition: Very incomplete. Arms, upper right breast shattered.
    CAPTION Torso of a Saite King, ca. 664-570 B.C.E. Schist, 6 1/16 x 4 13/16 x 1 9/16 in. (15.4 x 12.2 x 4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 58.95. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.58.95_wwg8.jpg)
    IMAGE installation, West Wing gallery 8 installation, CUR.58.95_wwg8.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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