Lamp

Art Historical Context

This modest pottery lamp hails from Egypt's Middle Kingdom, specifically Dynasties 12–13 (ca. 1981–1640 B.C.), a golden era of stability and cultural revival following centuries of fragmentation. After the chaos of the First Intermediate Period pharaohs like those of Dynasty 12 reunified the Nile Valley, fostering advancements in art, architecture, and administration. Everyday objects like this lamp offer a window into the lives of ordinary Egyptians, revealing the ingenuity of a society where light was essential for homes, temples, and tombs. Crafted from pottery—a versatile, abundant medium—this shallow vessel (just 5.2 cm high but 17.4 cm wide) likely served as an oil lamp, with a wick floating in vegetable oil or fat for illumination. Wheel-thrown or molded techniques were common in the Middle Kingdom, allowing mass production for practical use. Such lamps underscore the era's blend of utility and subtle artistry, bridging elite monumental works with humble household items. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1915, it now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Egyptian Art collection, reminding us how small artifacts illuminate vast histories.