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Fragment of Palette

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
The court of Amunhotep III showed great interest in Egypt’s past. This fragment comes from a cosmetic palette made just before or during the First Dynasty. The figure of a servant on one side was part of the original carving. Fourteen centuries later, the palette was recarved with images of Amunhotep III and Queen Tiye (see illustration). The bent elbow and arm on the reverse match images from a larger fragment in Cairo.
MEDIUM Schist
  • Reportedly From: Abydos, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 3200–2800 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 0 to Dynasty 1
    PERIOD Late Predynastic Period to early Dynastic Period
    DIMENSIONS 3 3/16 x 1 15/16 x 13/16 in. (8.1 x 5 x 2 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 66.175
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Fragment of a dark green schist palette showing in bold relief on one side a bearded man holding a pot; curious checker pattern underneath; far leg advanced. On other side elbow in sunk relief. Condition: Fragmentary, chipped, and worn
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Fragment of Palette, ca. 3200–2800 B.C.E. Schist, 3 3/16 x 1 15/16 x 13/16 in. (8.1 x 5 x 2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 66.175. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 66.175_front_PS6.jpg)
    IMAGE front, 66.175_front_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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