Tiles and ornaments from the palace of Ramesses II
Unknown Artist
ca. 1279–1213 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
Diam. 3.2 cm (1 1/4 in.); Th. 0.4 cm (3/16 in.)
Classification
Tile, Palace of Ramesses II, rosettes
Period
New Kingdom, Ramesside
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Rogers Fund, Edward S. Harkness Gift and by exchange, 1922, 1929, 1935
Accession Number
35.1.132
Art Historical Context
These exquisite faience tiles and ornaments from the grand palace of Ramesses II, one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs, who ruled during the New Kingdom Dynasty 19 (ca. 1279–1213 B.C.). Measuring just 3.2 cm in diameter and 04 cm thick, these diminutive pieces were likely used as inlays or pavements, adorning the opulent floors and walls of his royal residence. They offer a tantalizing glimpse into the splendor Ramesside architecture, where such decorations symbolized the pharaoh's divine authority and Egypt's artistic mastery. Crafted from faience—a signature Egyptian medium of finely groun...