Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Block Statue of Hor

664–610 B.C.E.

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Object Label

The type of sculpture, known as a block statue, depicts an individual, squatting, wrapped in a cloak from which his head and sometimes hands emerge. Block statues were placed in temples to assure the individual’s perpetual presence at rituals and temple festivals. The cloak on Block Statue of Hor is covered with inscriptions, and one side represents Osiris with his consort Isis, while on the other side their son Horus stands behind a symbol of Osiris. The front of Temple Block Statue of a Man depicts a deceased princess, who once held the office of the God’s Wife of Amun, standing before Osiris.

Caption

Block Statue of Hor, 664–610 B.C.E.. Granite, 7 1/2 x 4 x 5 1/8 in. (19.1 x 10.2 x 13 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 57.66. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Block Statue of Hor

Date

664–610 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 26

Period

Late Period

Geography

Reportedly from: Edfu, Egypt

Medium

Granite

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

7 1/2 x 4 x 5 1/8 in. (19.1 x 10.2 x 13 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

57.66

Frequent Art Questions

  • Hi, I'm looking at this Block statue of Hor (57.66). I understand that these types of sculptures were used by private dedicators in temples, but do we know the social status of the person depicted here (Hor)?

    Also, it appears that the figure is holding an object in its right hand. Is there any ideas on what that object is? And is there evidence that the object was ever painted?
    We don't have much information about this specific block statue but we do know that Hor held several high, priestly titles like "God's Father" and "Scribe in the Temple of Amun." A block statue shows a nonroyal figure—almost always male—sitting on the ground with knees up and arms folded.
    So would it be safe to say that he was certainly not the status of a Pharaoh, perhaps lending to the block statue form. But important enough to commission a work in black granite.
    Yes, you are correct.

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