Scarab of Thutmose III
Unknown Artist
ca. 1479–1425 B.C.
Medium
Glazed steatite
Dimensions
l. 2.8 cm ( 1 1/8 in)
Classification
Scarab, Thutmose III
Period
New Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
Accession Number
26.7.167
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Scarab of Thutm III*, a petite yet powerful artifact from ancient Egypt's New Kingdom (. 1479–1425 B.C.), crafted during Dynasty 18. Shaped like the sacred scarab beetle—symbol of rebirth and the sun god Khepri—this glazed steatite amulet just 2.8 cm long, small enough to wear as jewelry or use as a seal. Thutmose III, the-pharaoh who transformed Egypt into an empire through 17 victorious campaigns, likely commissioned such items to proclaim his divine authority and protect the wearer in the afterlife. Expertly carved from soft steatite (soapstone) and coated with a vibrant glaze ...