Egyptian Art 2700 BC-200 AD

Pyramids had their practical importance in the eyes of the kings and their subjects. The king was considered a divine being who held sway over them, and on his departure from this earth he would again ascend to the gods whence he had come. The pyramids soaring up to the sky would probably help him to make his ascent. In any case they would preserve his sacred body from decay.

Butcher
Fifth Dynasty, probably reign of Niuserre
Limestone with remains of paint (knife restored)
Height: 37 cm (14 5/8 in)
Width: 14.2 cm (5 5/8 in)
Depth: 38 cm (15 in)
Oriental Institute, University of Chicago

Broad collar and ankle bracelet
Fifth Dynasty
Egyptian faience
Collar: width 30 cm (11 7/8 in)
Bracelet: length 23.2 cm (9 1/8 in); width 6.6 cm (2 5/8 in)
Agyptisches Museum, Universitaet Leipzig

 

Relief of Itush
Fifth Dynasty, reign of Djedkare-Isesi
Limestone
Height: 42.6 cm (16 7/8 in)
Width: 74.4 cm (29 3/8 in)
Depth: 9.5 cm (3 3/4 in)
Brooklyn Museum of Art

 

Ni-ka-re, his wife, and their daughter
Fifth Dynasty, reign of Nuiserre or later
Painted limestone
Height: 57 cm (22 1/2 in)
Width: 22.5 cm (8 7/8 in)
Depth: 32.5 cm (12 3/4 in)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Scribe
Fifth Dynasty
Painted limestone
Height: 49 cm (19 3/8 in)
Egyptian Museum, Cairo

 

 

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