Gazelle

Unknown

ca. 1390–1352 B.C. · Ivory (elephant), wood, blue-pigment inlay · Egyptian Art

This delicate ivory gazelle stands on a wooden pedestal with inlaid decoration depicting plants that allude to its semi-desert habitat. The gazelle has its head erect and appears alert, as though sensing danger. Egyptian artists were keen observers of the world and produced many naturalistic images of the creatures around them. The gazelle's ears have broken off and the horns, made separately and probably of another material, are missing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1390–1352 B.C.

Medium

Ivory (elephant), wood, blue-pigment inlay

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926