Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Standing Figure of the God Amun-Re

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Standing Figure of the God Amun-Re

If the headdress of this otherwise typical male figure included only the caplike crown and tall plumes, one might identify it as the god Amun. The solar disk at the base of the feathers, however, can be both an image of the god Re and a writing of his name. Thus it is probable, although the Egyptians were not totally consistent in conveying such messages, that the deity is Amun-Re. Such a merging of two or more deities is called syncretism.

Syncretism did not mean that the individual deities ceased to exist independently. Rather, each deity coexisted within the new being. The solar deity Re, for instance, was the power of the Creator tangible in heat and light. Amun, whose name means "hidden," was the invisible Creator or creative power. Amun-Re could thus represent both aspects of the Creator or Amun as a solar deity.

• Medium: Bronze, gold
• Geographical Locations:
  • Place made: Egypt
  • Reportedly from: Memphis, Egypt
• Dates: ca. 760-656 B.C.E.
• Dynasty: XXII Dynasty
• Period: Third Intermediate Period
• Dimensions: 7 15/16 x 1 1/2 x 1 7/16 in. (20.2 x 3.8 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, 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
• Accession Number: 37.254E
• Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
• Image: Front, 37.254E_front.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2005
Standing Figure of the God Amun-Re, ca. 760-656 B.C.E. Bronze, gold, 7 15/16 x 1 1/2 x 1 7/16 in. (20.2 x 3.8 x 3.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.254E (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.254E_front.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: One bronze figure of the god Amun partially inlaid with gold. The figure strides forward in the traditional pose, the right arm down along the right flank, but not pressed to it. An opening through the hand suggests a scepter (now lost) was placed there. The figure sports an elaborately pleated kilt, this emphasized by an incised herringbone pattern on the surface. The belt beaurs incised "braid" work to either side of the central buckle (uninscribed). About the neck a broad collar is seen, inlaid with gold. The torso is well modelled and bears a strong but highly naturalistic median line and slight swelling of the abdomen. The legs are equally well modelled. The face is finely wrought. The lips are full with distinct philtrum, the corners of the mouth upturned. The eyes are deeply set with white of the eye picked out in gold inlay; all cosmetic lines are shown in fine relief and the cheekbones are emphasized. The nose is broad at the base, but in fine proportion to the bridge and rest of the face in general. Modelled on the sides of the head the supports of the beard terminate in a finely modelled on upturned at the tip. It too bears raised decorative braiding. The ears are finelly modelled and very naturalistic. Atop the head Amun sports a crown composed of two feathers and the solar disc. The feathers are decoratively incised. The crown ornament of feathers and disc were also made separately and later placed in slot in the crown. A very fine black patina covers the entire piece. There is a vertical slash across the forehead and brim of the crown and some pitting (probably from the casting) on the feather and solar disc ornament. A dent is also evident on the kilt at the level of the right hip. Condition: Right leg broken at mid-calf: left leg broken at ankle: the lower parts are lost. Arms cast separately. The left arm is now missing.