Your Egypt

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Reserve Head of a Man. Giza; Fourth Dynasty, probably reign of Khufu (ca. 2551?2528 B.C.E.). Limestone; H. 11 7/8 in. (30 cm). Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Harvard University?Museum of Fine Arts Expedition (14.719).

Although each reserve head has characteristics that make it unique, this example stands out from the group. It is one of the largest and is the most perfectly preserved, exhibiting none of the intentional damage found on others. Excavated in a shaft with another head, this one was originally identified as the Nubian wife of the tomb owner. Recent study, however, suggests that it probably represents the male owner of the tomb. Although the face has affinities with later depictions of Nubians, it also bears a striking resemblance to statues of Fourth Dynasty kings and undoubtedly represents an Egyptian. The variations among reserve heads probably reflect the diversity in Egypt's population.







http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/new_pyramid/PYRAMIDS/HTML/el_pyramid_head2.htm

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Quote: Reserve Head of a Man. Giza; Fourth Dynasty, probably reign of Khufu (ca. 2551-2528 B.C.E.). Limestone; H. 10 7/8 in. (27.7 cm). Kunsthistorisches Museum, ؤgyptische-Orientalische Sammlung, Vienna (ؤS 7787).

This head exhibits the two most widespread forms of intentional damage inflicted on reserve heads: the removal of the ears and the gouging of a groove down the back of the head. This intentional mutilation and the pitting of the surface do not detract from the great beauty of the piece. Although similarities exist among some reserve heads, each one is unique. This individuality suggests that they were intended to resemble the owner and are thus among the earliest portraits ever made.










http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/new_pyramid/PYRAMIDS/HTML/el_pyramid_head1.htm






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