<em>Relief of Sandaled Feet of a Royal Woman</em>, 1352-1332 B.C. Limestone, pigment, 8 7/8 x 21 3/4 in. (22.6 x 55.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 60.197.7. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 60.197.7_transpc004.jpg)

Relief of Sandaled Feet of a Royal Woman, 1352-1332 B.C. Limestone, pigment, 8 7/8 x 21 3/4 in. (22.6 x 55.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 60.197.7. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 60.197.7_transpc004.jpg)

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What is the cultural significance of the "Relief of Sandaled Feet of a Royal Woman"?

The cultural significance comes in more with the whole image. This is only a fragment of a relief that would have shown the whole body. Based on the life-sized scale and the lines behind her feet that indicate a long, fine garment, the figure would have likely been that of Queen Nefertiti. So, during the reign of her husband, Akhenaten, this image would have been significant as an image of the reigning queen who had both political and religious power. As you may know, Akhenaten changed the official religion in Egypt and his changes were abandoned and even erased after his death. Many images of Nefertiti suffered as well. Her image would have been a reminder of "the heretic king."

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Relief of Sandaled Feet of a Royal Woman

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Amarna Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

Traditional Egyptian relief rendered both feet as seen from the inside, with the big toe closer to the viewer. In the Eighteenth Dynasty, however, artists began to experiment with more accurate representations, first in tomb painting and then in sculpture and relief. This relief, representing all five toes of the right foot, is one of the first examples of a break with the earlier tradition.

The standardized shape of the block and the realistic modeling are characteristic of the Amarna period. While several royal women of Amarna wore floor-length pleated garments like these, the life-size scale points to Queen Nefertiti as the owner of these feet.

MEDIUM Limestone, pigment

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS

Place made: Tell el-Amarna, Egypt
Place excavated: Hermopolis Magna (Al-Ashmunayn), Egypt

DATES 1352-1332 B.C.

DYNASTY Dynasty 18

PERIOD New Kingdom, Amarna Period

DIMENSIONS 8 7/8 x 21 3/4 in. (22.6 x 55.3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Amarna Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

EXHIBITIONS

ACCESSION NUMBER 60.197.7

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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CAPTION Relief of Sandaled Feet of a Royal Woman, 1352-1332 B.C. Limestone, pigment, 8 7/8 x 21 3/4 in. (22.6 x 55.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 60.197.7. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 60.197.7_transpc004.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 60.197.7_transpc004.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

"CUR" at the beginning of an image file name means that the image was created by a curatorial staff member. These study images may be digital point-and-shoot photographs, when we don\'t yet have high-quality studio photography, or they may be scans of older negatives, slides, or photographic prints, providing historical documentation of the object.

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Limestone relief. In raised relief, facing right the sandaled feet of a royal figure, most probably female. Feet correctly drawn with all toes of the near foot indicated. In the background, the folds of a transparent linen dress. Figure was life size. Condition: Relief broken vertically through center. Original paint in crevice on back of right leg, on base of right foot, and all along toes of same foot; also on ankle of right foot, sandal strap and along edges of foot. Scattered remains of dress show it too was red. Lower right corner broken.

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What is the cultural significance of the "Relief of Sandaled Feet of a Royal Woman"?

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Relief of Sandaled Feet of a Royal Woman

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Amarna Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

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Relief of Sandaled Feet of a Royal Woman

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Amarna Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

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