Relief fragment with the head of a goddess

Art Historical Context

This exquisite limestone relief fragment, dating to Egypt's Old Kingdom (ca 2353–2152 B.C.) during Dynasties 5–6, captures the serene head of a goddess, likely from a larger temple or tomb wall. Crafted from fine-grained limestone and once vividly painted, it measures 42 cm high by 51 cm wide, the monumental scale of ancient Egyptian artistry. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Rogers Fund in 8, it offers a glimpse into the pyramid-building era, when pharaohs like those of Dynasty 5 constructed vast solar temples honoring gods like Ra. The low-relief carving technique—inci...