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Lady Mi

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
One of the finest wooden sculptures to survive from antiquity, this exquisitely carved figure of Lady Mi shows the elaborate wig and huge gold earrings worn by the great women of King Amunhotep’s court. Both Amunhotep III and Queen Tiye allowed themselves to be represented as mature—rather than eternally youthful—individuals. Faithful courtiers followed the royal lead. The carver of this figure indicated the breasts and belly of an older woman beneath the gossamer linen of the dress.
MEDIUM Wood, bone?, gold leaf
  • Place Excavated: Medinet Gurob, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1390–1353 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 6 1/8 x 1 3/4 x 2 1/4 in. (15.6 x 4.4 x 5.7 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 47.120.3
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Lady Mi, ca. 1390–1353 B.C.E. Wood, bone?, gold leaf, 6 1/8 x 1 3/4 x 2 1/4 in. (15.6 x 4.4 x 5.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 47.120.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 47.120.3_threequarter_SL1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 47.120.3_threequarter_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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