Photo for Today - More from the Walters Art Museum

WM-EG033
(Top) Sculptor Model for a Royal Bust
(Bottom) Ostracon with a Royal Head

Copyright Rick Menges, with my thanks

(Top) Sculptor Model for a Royal Bust
Date (Period): ca. 200-150 BC (Greco-Roman)
Medium: limestone
Measurements: 7 3/8 x 6 5/16 x 3 3/4 in. (18.8 x 16.1 x 9.5 cm)
Item Description:
A limestone model bust of a royal male wearing the "nemes" headdress with a "uraeus." The "uraeus" serpent has been broken away. As was typical for the period, the "uraeus" had two coils, one to each side and the tail extended back over the top of the rounded "nemes." Beneath the edge of the band of the "nemes" the natural hairline of the figure may be seen. The eyes are naturally outlined and the brow delicately follows the contour of the eye. The pupils and irises of the eyes are picked out in black paint. The surface of the piece has been scratched and chipped in several places. The face is fleshy and rather flat in profile. The lips are pursed and smiling. The back, sides and base are flat planes and there are grid squares etched into the back and sides. Where the lappets touch the shoulder they are creased in an unnaturally sharp way. The lappets are flat with a curved outer edge and strictly vertical inner edge.

(Bottom) Ostracon with a Royal Head
Date (Period): ca. 1280 BC (New Kingdom)
Medium: limestone with ink
Measurements: H: 7 5/16 x W: 5 3/4 x D: 1 1/8 in. (18.5 x 14.6 x 2.9 cm)
Item Description:
This sketch depicts a king wearing the "blue crown," a collar, and two strings of gold beads. His stubble beard is a sign of mourning. The features of the king make it likely that Seti I is represented. The elaborate execution of the royal image, which is without doubt the work of a master painter, differs from the depiction of the two hands. This sketch was probably a model for trainees, and was later reused for other training purposes by an experienced artist. It is interesting that the painter of the royal head has chosen the topic of a stubble-bearded king, which was not part of the official motifs.