The Stela of King Qahedjet is a limestone monument displayed at the Louvre in Paris. This artwork is 50.5 cm high, 31.0 cm wide, and 3.0 cm thick, and depicts the king embracing an anthropomorphic figure of the god Horus. This piece is an example of ancient Egyptian art, which must be viewed from their standpoint to understand it.
A stela is an upright monument containing information in the form of texts, images, or a combination of both. It was common in ancient Egypt to use stelae to commemorate important figures or events. The members of the royal family depicted in the stela are extremely stylized, with elongated heads, protruding stomachs, broad hips, thin arms and legs, and exaggerated facial features.
The artwork is finely polished, and the intricate details of the figures demonstrate the skill and precision of its Egyptian creators. The use of anthropomorphic figures, where gods take on human characteristics, was common in ancient Egyptian art. The combination of human and divine elements in this piece reinforces the idea of the king’s divine right to rule. Overall, the Stela of King Qahedjet is a significant example of ancient Egyptian art and culture that provides insight into their beliefs and values.
