Head of Ptah

Unknown

ca. 1550–1070 B.C. (?) · Egyptian blue, gold leaf · Egyptian Art

The sculpture is a partially preserved head of the god Ptah, made from Egyptian blue with traces of gold leaf on the face. Ptah can be recognized thanks to his close fitting skull cap and (the negative of) his false beard, whose straps can be seen along the jaws. God of the city of Memphis, Ptah was primarily associated with arts and crafts. It is assumed that he acquired his designation as creator god through this close connection with crafstmen, builders, and artists. The gold leaf applied on the face refers to the substance of the divine body, composed of precious materials, gold being the flesh of divine beings. The combination of Egyptian blue and gold is reserved for special pieces and makes this little head a luxury version of the faience and bronze votive offerings deposited within temples.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1070 B.C. (?)

Medium

Egyptian blue, gold leaf

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020