Egyptian art is renowned for its intricate designs, symbolic imagery, and rich history. From the hieroglyphic scripts carved into temples and tombs to the elaborate jewelry and sculptures found in ancient burial sites, Egyptian art reflects the civilization's beliefs, values, and iconic imagery. With a focus on symmetry, balance, and precision, Egyptian artists excelled in creating realistic depictions of pharaohs, gods, and mythical creatures. The use of vibrant colors, detailed patterns, and symbolic motifs such as the Ankh, Eye of Horus, and scarab beetle, all played a significant role in conveying meaning and representing the cultural and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt.
1. Ritual Figure
- Artwork Name: Ritual Figure
- Year: Dynasty 12, c.1920-1880 B.C.
The artwork, titled "Ritual Figure," is a creation of Egyptian art from circa 1920-1880 B.C., belonging to the 12th Dynasty. This ancient piece, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, features a figure adorned with a tall headdress and holding a staff, signifying its probable ceremonial or symbolic significance. The figure is depicted standing with a loincloth, showcasing the intricacies of early Egyptian craftsmanship with attention to anatomical details and a formal, poised stance. The preservation of the paint and gilding highlights the artistic techniques and religious importance placed on such figures during this period.
2. Reserve Head
- Artwork Name: Reserve Head
- Medium: Limestone
The artwork titled "Reserve Head," attributed to Egyptian artistry, is sculpted from limestone and resides in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The artwork represents a stylized human head, characterized by its smooth and somewhat idealized features. The subtle detailing in the eyes, nose, and mouth captures a serene and timeless expression, characteristic of ancient Egyptian sculptural style. The simplicity and elegance of the design reflect the significant cultural and historical value of this piece.
3. Headrest inscribed with the name of Pepi II
- Artwork Name: Headrest inscribed with the name of Pepi II
- Dimensions: 21.8 cm
The artwork, titled "Headrest inscribed with the name of Pepi II," is a creation of Egyptian Art and measures 21.8 cm in height. It is currently housed in the Musée du Louvre in Paris. The headrest, crafted with meticulous detail, features inscribed hieroglyphs that denote the name of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Pepi II. The design comprises a fluted column supporting a gently curved platform, emphasizing both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the piece, typical of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.
4. Akhenaten Presenting a Duck to Aten
- Artwork Name: Akhenaten Presenting a Duck to Aten
- Dimensions: (24.4 cm)
The artwork titled "Akhenaten Presenting a Duck to Aten" is an Egyptian artifact currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US. Measuring 24.4 cm in width, the artwork depicts the Pharaoh Akhenaten offering a duck to the sun deity Aten. Executed in a distinctive style characteristic of the Amarna period, the relief features detailed carvings and subtle coloration that exemplify the artistry and religious devotion of ancient Egyptian culture.
5. Amulet in the shape of an ibis
- Artwork Name: Amulet in the shape of an ibis
- Dimensions: 1.5 cm
The artwork, titled "Amulet in the Shape of an Ibis," is a creation of unidentified Egyptian artists. It is diminutive in scale, measuring a mere 1.5 centimeters, yet intricately crafted to represent an ibis. This artifact is housed in the Hearst Museum of Anthropology in Berkeley. The amulet exhibits the traditional elegance and symbolic significance that characterize Egyptian art, encapsulating both cultural and artistic heritage in its compact form.
6. Ankh seated with hands clasped
- Artwork Name: Ankh seated with hands clasped
- Dimensions: 62.5 cm
The artwork titled "Ankh seated with hands clasped," created by Egyptian Art, is housed in the Musée du Louvre, Paris. Measuring 62.5 cm in height, the artwork depicts a seated figure with hands clasped, exuding a sense of solemnity and dignity characteristic of ancient Egyptian sculpture. The meticulous craftsmanship and the serene, contemplative posture reflect the refined artistry and cultural significance attributed to deities or noteworthy individuals within the context of ancient Egyptian civilization.
7. Atjema standing
- Artwork Name: Atjema standing
- Dimensions: 91 cm
The artwork titled "Atjema Standing," attributed to Egyptian Art, is currently housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Standing at a height of 91 cm, this sculpture epitomizes the stylistic and cultural characteristics of ancient Egyptian artisanal proficiency. The figure, likely representing an individual of status, is depicted in a controlled and dignified stance, donning a traditional kilt, and exudes a sense of timeless reverence and meticulous craftsmanship.
8. Broad collar and ankle bracelet
- Artwork Name: Broad collar and ankle bracelet
The artwork, entitled "Broad Collar and Ankle Bracelet" and attributed to Egyptian Art, is housed in the Ägyptisches Museum at the Universität Leipzig. This piece exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian jewelry. The broad collar, composed of meticulously aligned cylindrical beads arranged in concentric rows, showcases the aesthetic and cultural significance of adornment practices in ancient Egypt. Accompanying it is a matching ankle bracelet, similarly crafted, further emphasizing the traditional use of beadwork in personal ornamentation. The harmonious design and detailed workmanship highlight the advanced artisanship and symbolic elegance characteristic of the period's artifacts.
9. Butcher
- Artwork Name: Butcher
- Dimensions: 37 cm
The artwork, titled "Butcher," is a creation attributed to Egyptian Art, currently housed at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago. Measuring 37 cm in height, this piece depicts a butcher actively engaged in the process of slaughtering an animal, exemplifying ancient Egyptian artistic conventions and societal practices. The meticulous attention to anatomical detail and the dynamic representation of action underscore the sophistication of Egyptian craftsmanship and provide insight into the labor and rituals of the time.
10. Coffin for a Sacred Cat
- Artwork Name: Coffin for a Sacred Cat
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: (27.9 cm)
The artwork, titled "Coffin for a Sacred Cat," is a bronze sculpture created by an unknown artist of Egyptian origin. Measuring 27.9 cm in height, this piece is currently housed within the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US. Exemplifying the reverence ancient Egyptians held for cats as sacred animals, the sculpture features intricate details that highlight the elegant form and poise of the feline.
11. Fragment of the Royal Annals
- Artwork Name: Fragment of the Royal Annals
- Dimensions: 8.5 cm
The artwork, titled "Fragment of the Royal Annals," is a noteworthy example of Egyptian Art, currently housed in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London. Measuring 8.5 cm, this piece features meticulously carved hieroglyphics, a testament to the sophisticated artistry and historical documentation of ancient Egypt. The fragment presents a section of a larger inscribed record, illustrating the importance of royal chronicles in preserving the legacy of Egyptian rulers and their deeds. The craftsmanship evidenced in the hieroglyphics reflects the high level of skill possessed by Egyptian artisans and their role in conveying the historical and cultural narratives of their civilization.
12. Head of King Djedefre
- Artwork Name: Head of King Djedefre
- Dimensions: 26.5 cm
The artwork, titled "Head of King Djedefre," is a piece of Egyptian Art measuring 26.5 cm in height and is housed in the Musée du Louvre, Paris. The artwork depicts the head of King Djedefre, showcasing the serene and timeless features typical of ancient Egyptian royal portraiture. Crafted from stone, it reflects the meticulous skill and reverence for the monarchy that characterized Egyptian artisanship. Despite its age, the sculpture maintains a remarkable sense of dignity and authority, capturing the likeness of Djedefre with an air of majesty and permanence.
13. Hemiunu seated
- Artwork Name: Hemiunu seated
- Dimensions: 155.5 cm
The artwork titled "Hemiunu seated," created by Egyptian Art, is a notable piece currently housed at the Roemer-und Pelizaeus-Museum in Hildesheim. Measuring 155.5 cm in height, the sculpture depicts a seated figure in a poised and dignified posture. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to anatomical detail highlight the significance and artistic sophistication of the period in which it was created.
14. King Khafre seated
- Artwork Name: King Khafre seated
- Dimensions: 120 cm
The artwork titled "King Khafre Seated," created by Egyptian Art, is a sculpture located in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Measuring 120 cm in height, the artwork depicts King Khafre seated in a dignified and composed posture, which is emblematic of the grandeur and solemnity associated with ancient Egyptian royalty. The carving meticulously captures the regal features and attire of the pharaoh, highlighting the refined artistic skills of ancient Egyptian craftsmen.
15. King Menkaure and a Queen
- Artwork Name: King Menkaure and a Queen
- Dimensions: 139 cm
The artwork titled "King Menkaure and a Queen," created by Egyptian Art, stands at 139 cm and is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The sculpture portrays King Menkaure and an accompanying queen, depicted in a poised and serene posture, reflecting the grandeur and elegance typical of ancient Egyptian art. Their figures are carved from a single stone, exuding a sense of timelessness and reverence, with meticulous attention to detail evident in the regal attire and the poised expressions of the subjects. The artwork exemplifies the sophisticated artistry and symbolic craftsmanship of ancient Egypt.
16. Male Deity
- Artwork Name: Male Deity
- Dimensions: 21.4 cm
The artwork, titled "Male Deity," is a creation of Egyptian Art, housed in the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Measuring 21.4 cm in height, the piece depicts a sculpted figure of a male deity, rendered in a classical Egyptian style. The deity is characterized by its poised stance, detailed headdress, and traditional attire, reflecting the sophisticated craftsmanship and religious significance inherent in ancient Egyptian sculpture. The artwork embodies the cultural and artistic heritage of its era, serving as an exquisite example of divine representation in Egyptian art.
17. Ni-ka-re, his wife, and their daughter
- Artwork Name: Ni-ka-re, his wife, and their daughter
- Dimensions: 57 cm
The artwork titled "Ni-ka-re, his wife, and their daughter" is an exquisite example of Egyptian art, currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US. Measuring 57 cm in height, the sculpture features a dignified depiction of Ni-ka-re, a prominent figure, along with his wife and their daughter. Portrayed in a traditional seated and kneeling posture, the figures convey a sense of familial unity and societal status, characteristic of ancient Egyptian artistic conventions. The meticulous carving and preservation of the stone exemplify the exceptional skill and craftsmanship of the period.
18. Pair statue of Memi and Sabu standing
- Artwork Name: Pair statue of Memi and Sabu standing
- Dimensions: 62 cm
The artwork, titled "Pair statue of Memi and Sabu standing," is an exemplary piece of Egyptian art, currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US. The sculpture stands at 62 cm tall and depicts two figures, presumably Memi and Sabu, in a poised and dignified stance. The male figure, Memi, is shown with an arm around the female figure, Sabu, signifying their close relationship. The artistic style, characterized by its idealized forms and serene expressions, typifies ancient Egyptian sculpture. The hieroglyphic inscriptions at the base further enhance the cultural and historical significance of the artwork.
19. Pair statue of Queen Ankh-nes-meryre II and her son Pepi II seated
- Artwork Name: Pair statue of Queen Ankh-nes-meryre II and her son Pepi II seated
- Dimensions: 38.9 cm
The artwork titled "Pair statue of Queen Ankh-nes-meryre II and her son Pepi II seated", crafted in the tradition of Egyptian Art, stands at a height of 38.9 cm and is currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum of Art. The sculpture portrays Queen Ankh-nes-meryre II seated with her young son, Pepi II, on her lap. The figures are intricately carved, showcasing the serene and dignified expressions typical of Egyptian royal portraiture, and the statue is marked by its precise proportions and the smooth, polished surface of the material. Hieroglyphic inscriptions can be observed, providing further context and significance to the royal figures depicted.
20. Pepi I kneeling
- Artwork Name: Pepi I kneeling
- Dimensions: 15.2 cm
The artwork, titled "Pepi I Kneeling," is a piece created by Egyptian artists. It measures 15.2 cm in height and is currently housed in the Brooklyn Museum of Art. The statue depicts Pepi I in a kneeling position, characterized by the intricate detailing of his attire and distinctive Egyptian features such as the headdress and ceremonial kilt. Reflecting the style and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian art, the figure's posture and expression signify reverence and devotion, capturing a moment of piety and respect.
21. Prince Tjau seated on the ground
- Artwork Name: Prince Tjau seated on the ground
- Dimensions: 34.5 cm
The artwork, titled "Prince Tjau seated on the ground," is a notable piece of Egyptian art currently housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Measuring 34.5 cm in height, the sculpture portrays Prince Tjau in a seated posture, with intricate details reflecting the artistic mastery of ancient Egyptian craftsmen. The dignified pose and serene expression capture the essence of Egyptian royal iconography and cultural reverence for family lineage and status.
22. Queen Hatshepsut
- Artwork Name: Queen Hatshepsut
- Dimensions: (194.9 cm)
The artwork, titled "Queen Hatshepsut," is a striking piece created in the tradition of Egyptian Art. This imposing sculpture, standing at a height of 194.9 cm, is housed in the esteemed Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US. The artwork, executed in the characteristic style of ancient Egyptian sculpture, features Queen Hatshepsut seated in a majestic and regal pose, reflecting the grandeur and reverence accorded to one of Egypt’s most illustrious rulers. The meticulous craftsmanship and the serene expression of the queen encapsulate the artistic and cultural significance of the period, making it a prominent artifact in the museum's collection.
23. Relief block with the figure of Aa-akhti
- Artwork Name: Relief block with the figure of Aa-akhti
- Dimensions: 184 cm
The artwork, titled "Relief block with the figure of Aa-akhti," is an example of Egyptian Art and features dimensions of 184 cm. Currently exhibited in the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the artwork showcases a skillfully carved relief depicting a figure identified as Aa-akhti, accompanied by hieroglyphic inscriptions. The intricate detailing and the historical significance of the piece reflect the rich cultural heritage of ancient Egypt.
24. Relief of Hesi-re
- Artwork Name: Relief of Hesi-re
- Medium: Acacia wood
- Dimensions: 86 cm
The "Relief of Hesi-re," crafted from acacia wood, is a notable piece of ancient Egyptian art. Measuring 86 cm, the artwork is currently housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This relief depicts intricate hieroglyphics and a figure in profile, showcasing the exceptional skill and detail characteristic of ancient Egyptian workmanship.
25. Relief of Itush
- Artwork Name: Relief of Itush
- Medium: Limestone
- Dimensions: 42.6 cm
The artwork, titled "Relief of Itush" by the artist known as "Egyptian Art," is crafted from limestone and measures 42.6 cm in height. Currently housed at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the artwork displays a carved relief depicting hieroglyphs and figures associated with ancient Egyptian culture. The detailed inscriptions and imagery, which include an ankh and other significant symbols, reflect the artistic and cultural heritage of ancient Egypt, capturing both the aesthetic and spiritual essence of the time.
26. Reserve head
- Artwork Name: Reserve head
- Medium: Limestone
- Dimensions: 27.7 cm
The artwork, titled "Reserve head," is an exquisite piece of Egyptian art crafted from limestone. Measuring 27.7 cm in height, it is a notable artifact housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. The sculpture embodies the characteristic stylization and meticulous craftsmanship associated with ancient Egyptian artistry.
27. Scribe
- Artwork Name: Scribe
- Medium: Painted Limestone
- Dimensions: 49 cm
The artwork, titled "Scribe", is an exquisite piece created by Egyptian artists, fashioned from painted limestone. Measuring 49 cm in height, it portrays a detailed and realistically painted figure of a seated scribe from ancient Egypt. This significant artifact, housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, exemplifies the high level of skill and artistry achieved by ancient Egyptian sculptors.
28. Slab stela of Prince Wep-em-nefret
- Artwork Name: Slab stela of Prince Wep-em-nefret
- Medium: Painted Limestone
- Dimensions: 45.7 cm
The artwork, entitled "Slab stela of Prince Wep-em-nefret," crafted by an anonymous Egyptian artist, is a painted limestone piece measuring 45.7 cm in height. This notable example of Egyptian art resides in the Hearst Museum of Anthropology in Berkeley. The artwork depicts an intricately detailed scene filled with hieroglyphics and symbolic imagery, showcasing traditional Egyptian artistic techniques and cultural elements.
29. Standing man
- Artwork Name: Standing man
- Medium: Painted Quartzite
- Dimensions: 89.5 cm
The artwork, titled "Standing Man," is a painted quartzite sculpture measuring 89.5 cm in height and created by an artist from Egyptian Art. This distinctive piece is currently housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US. The sculpture vividly captures the essence of the human form through its detailed representation of a standing male figure, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
30. Stela of King Qahedjet
- Artwork Name: Stela of King Qahedjet
- Medium: Fine-grained limestone
- Dimensions: 50.5 cm
The artwork, titled "Stela of King Qahedjet," is an exquisite piece of Egyptian art crafted from fine-grained limestone. Measuring 50.5 cm, this ancient stela features intricate carvings typical of the period, depicting figures and hieroglyphics associated with King Qahedjet. This historically significant artifact is currently housed in the prestigious Musée du Louvre in Paris.
31. Still life offerings for the deceased
- Artwork Name: Still life offerings for the deceased
- Medium: Painted Limestone
- Dimensions: 48 cm
The artwork, titled "Still Life Offerings for the Deceased," is a painted limestone piece created in the style of Egyptian art. With dimensions of 48 cm, this piece is a notable part of the collection at The Detroit Institute of Arts. The artwork depicts a variety of items, likely food offerings, which were customarily presented to honor the deceased in ancient Egyptian culture. The detailed craftsmanship and use of color underscore the significance of such rituals in providing for the afterlife.
32. Triad of King Menkaure
- Artwork Name: Triad of King Menkaure
- Medium: Graywacke
- Dimensions: 96 cm
The artwork titled "Triad of King Menkaure" is an exquisite piece of Egyptian art crafted from graywacke. Measuring 96 cm in height, this distinguished sculpture resides in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The artwork intricately portrays King Menkaure accompanied by two goddesses, exemplifying the grandeur of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and religious symbolism.
33. Two bracelets of Queen Hetep-heres I
- Artwork Name: Two bracelets of Queen Hetep-heres I
The artwork, titled "Two bracelets of Queen Hetep-heres I," is an exquisite piece of Egyptian Art housed in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. The bracelets are composed of a silver base with ornate designs featuring colorful inlaid stones, predominantly turquoise and carnelian, arranged in the shape of butterflies. The meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant inlays reflect the opulence and artistry of ancient Egyptian jewelry, befitting a queen of high stature.
34. Vase with rope decoration
- Artwork Name: Vase with rope decoration
- Dimensions: 63.5 cm
The artwork, titled "Vase with Rope Decoration," is a distinguished creation attributed to Egyptian art. It stands at an impressive height of 63.5 cm and currently resides in the esteemed Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The vase features an intricate design, characterized by delicately carved rope motifs that encapsulate its surface, showcasing the ancient artisans' skill and attention to decorative detail. The piece is a testament to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of ancient Egypt.