Head and Torso of a King
ca. 2455–2425 B.C.E.
1 of 3
Object Label
This fragment depicts a king in the pleated linen nemes-headcloth and the uraeus-cobra worn only by royalty. The complete statue probably showed him standing and wearing a short kilt. The well-modeled torso and round, youthful face are characteristic of royal statuary from the Fifth Dynasty. This figure most closely resembles statues of King Niuserre, who may be represented here.
Caption
Head and Torso of a King, ca. 2455–2425 B.C.E.. Granite, pigment, 13 3/8 × 6 3/8 × 5 9/16 in. (34 × 16.2 × 14.1 cm) mount (display dims 2024): 13 1/2 × 6 × 5 1/4 in. (34.3 × 15.2 × 13.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 72.58. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Head and Torso of a King
Date
ca. 2455–2425 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 5
Period
Old Kingdom
Geography
Place found: Egypt
Medium
Granite, pigment
Classification
Dimensions
13 3/8 × 6 3/8 × 5 9/16 in. (34 × 16.2 × 14.1 cm) mount (display dims 2024): 13 1/2 × 6 × 5 1/4 in. (34.3 × 15.2 × 13.3 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
72.58
Frequent Art Questions
What is the king's name?
We don't know for sure but the curators guess that it is King Niuserre from Dynasty 5.We can tell he is a king because of the headdress he wears. It is called a 'nemes' which means 'royal headcloth'. You will see other depictions of kings and pharaohs in the galleries with the same headdress on.Ok, thank you!You're welcome! Let us know if you have more questions as you explore the Museum.
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