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Sculptor's Model Head of a Lioness

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

MEDIUM Limestone
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES 332–30 B.C.E
    PERIOD Ptolemaic Period
    DIMENSIONS 9 5/8 x 6 7/8 x 7 3/16 in. (24.5 x 17.5 x 18.3 cm) Base: 12 5/16 x 8 7/16 x 5 9/16 in. (31.3 x 21.5 x 14.2 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 34.1002
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Sculptor's model head of a lioness in very soft limestone. The piece consists mainly of the face and part of the top of the head and was probably used as a model for gargoyles or decorative details. The texture of the skin is roughly indicated, the face is in repose. On the sides are sculptor's guiding lines. The back of the piece was apparently left in its present unfinished condition. Condition, right side of the base missing. There are numerous chips and faint traces of a pinkish red in several places, possibly the remains of original paint, but this does not seem very probable.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Sculptor's Model Head of a Lioness, 332–30 B.C.E. Limestone, 9 5/8 x 6 7/8 x 7 3/16 in. (24.5 x 17.5 x 18.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 34.1002. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 34.1002_edited_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 34.1002_edited_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2015
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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     <em>Sculptor's Model Head of a Lioness</em>, 332–30 B.C.E. Limestone, 9 5/8 x 6 7/8 x 7 3/16 in. (24.5 x 17.5 x 18.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 34.1002. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 34.1002_edited_PS9.jpg)