Relief fragment
Unknown Artist
ca. 1961–1917 B.C.
Medium
Limestone
Dimensions
h. 25.4 cm (10 in); w. 28.6 cm (11 1/4 in)
Classification
Relief fragment
Period
Middle Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Margaret L. Meiss, 1994
Accession Number
1994.496.3
Tags
Art Historical Context
This limestone relief fragment, dating to Egypt's Middle Kingdom (ca. 1961–1917 B.C.) during Dynasty 12, offers a glimpse into one of ancient Egypt's golden ages. Crafted from fine-grained limestone—a favored medium for its carvability and durability—the piece measures just 10 by 11¼ inches, likely originating from a larger tomb or temple wall. Middle Kingdom art marked a revival after earlier turmoil, emphasizing refined realism and balanced compositions that celebrated pharaonic power and the afterlife. The fragment prominently features hands, a motif often seen in ritual scenes where figur...