Brooklyn Museum: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Temple Relief of King as Child Protected by Goddess

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Temple Relief of King as Child Protected by Goddess

The ancient Egyptians often thought of transitions from one state to another in terms of birth. Thus, kings were shown as children (or even as adults) protected and nursed by goddesses in a variety of scenes, including ones representing or symbolizing their alleged divine births, their coronations, renewals of their royal and divine power, and their rebirth after death.

Medium: Sandstone, painted
Place Made: Egypt
Dates: ca. 700-670 B.C.E.
Dynasty: late XXV Dynasty
Period: Third Intermediate Period
Dimensions: 9 7/16 x 7 1/2 x 1 7/16 in. (24 x 19 x 3.7 cm)
Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art
Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Temples and Tombs, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
Accession Number: 70.1
Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Image: Overall, 70.1_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

Catalogue Description: Fragment of a sandstone relief which once formed part of the decoration of a temple. Preserved is a representation of a Kushite King (the figure of the king is preserved from the chest up) seated upon the lap of a goddess. The only parts of the goddess preserved are her hand held behind the head of the king, and part of her chest and neck. She wears a broad collar and a garment suspended by a tie over her shoulder. Numerous traces of red paint are preserved on the skin of both figures. Condition: Surface worn especially near edges; numerous chip especially on king's face; holes in collar worn by the goddess; water stains at top and bottom.

Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Temple Relief of King as Child Protected by Goddess