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Woman and Child on a Bed

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Objects of this type may have served multiple purposes. They have been found in temples, tombs, and houses. Perhaps they satisfied the sexual needs of men in the afterlife or conveyed wishes for fertility on the part of both men and women. They may have had a connection with Hathor, goddess of love and sexuality. The child here suggests the ideas of fertility and rebirth, which were vital to resurrection and immortality in the next life.

MEDIUM Clay, pigment
  • Place Excavated: Sawama, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1539-1295 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom (probably)
    DIMENSIONS 2 1/4 x 2 3/4 x 6 7/8 in. (5.7 x 7 x 17.5 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 14.606
    CREDIT LINE Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Small terracotta bed with figure in high relief of recumbent nude woman, with small figure of child by her right foot. Probably a servant figurine. Condition: Good, slightly chipped, surface worn; traces of dark red pigment on bodies of child and woman.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Woman and Child on a Bed, ca. 1539-1295 B.C.E. Clay, pigment, 2 1/4 x 2 3/4 x 6 7/8 in. (5.7 x 7 x 17.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund, 14.606. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 14.606_front_PS2.jpg)
    IMAGE front, 14.606_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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