Artwork Page for Statue of Amenemhat III

Details / Information for Statue of Amenemhat III

Statue of Amenemhat III

c. 1859–1814 BCE

Egypt, Middle Kingdom (2040–1648 BCE), Dynasty 12, reign of Amenemhat III

(1860–1814 BCE)
Medium
granodiorite
Measurements
Overall: 51.2 x 19.8 x 18.4 cm (20 3/16 x 7 13/16 x 7 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1960.56
Public Domain
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Location
107 Egyptian
Print
?

Did You Know?

The first pyramid Amenemhat III attempted to build, the so-called Black Pyramid, had major construction flaws and had to be abandoned when it started to collapse.

Description

Even though this statue of a king is uninscribed, its distinctive features identify it without any doubt as a portrait of Amenemhat III. The heavy brows, prominent cheekbones, hollow cheeks, jutting lower jaw, and tightly bunched muscles at the corners of the mouth make a strikingly realistic impression. Not realistic, however, are the king’s supersized ears. Instead, they symbolize the ruler’s willingness to hear the prayers of his people. If this image had been carved in relief, the king’s hands would have been uplifted in worship. Here, however, to prevent the breakage of projecting limbs, the ruler’s hands are pressed flat against the front his kilt, a portion of which is looped over his belt.
A smooth gray sculpture, missing legs from the knees down, depicts a man. His arms are at his side, slightly forward with his hands pressed flat against the front of his kilt, which is decorated with designs of lines. His torso is not clothed and he wears a long headdress, also containing designs of lines, that goes slightly over the front of his shoulders.

Statue of Amenemhat III

c. 1859–1814 BCE

Egypt, Middle Kingdom (2040–1648 BCE), Dynasty 12, reign of Amenemhat III (1860–1814 BCE)

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