Shrine with statues and relief
Unknown Artist
ca. 1550–1450 B.C.
Medium
Sandstone, paint
Dimensions
H. 47.6 cm (18 3/4 in.); W. 0.24 cm (9 7/16 in.); D. 20.7 cm (8 1/8 in.)
Classification
Shrine, statues, Ipunefer, Aashyt
Period
New Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Egypt Exploration Fund, 1906
Accession Number
06.1231.87
Art Historical Context
This exquisite sandstone shrine, dating to around 1550–1450 B.C. from Egypt's early 18th Dynasty (New Kingdom), stands as a testament to the era's spiritual devotion. Crafted by an unknown artist, it features integrated statues and relief carvings, about 18¾ inches tall. Originally adorned with vibrant paints—now faded—these colors would have brought divine figures to life, emphasizing the Egyptians' belief in a colorful, eternal afterlife. The New Kingdom marked Egypt's imperial zenith, following the Hyksos expulsion, with pharaohs like Thutmose III expanding the realm and commissioning gran...