Head of a King, possibly Amememhat IV

Unknown

ca. 1814–1805 B.C. suggested · Limestone · Egyptian Art

This small royal head is not easy to place in the history of Middle Kingdom art. The face is certainly reminiscent of images created late in the reign of Amenemhat III, but such resemblances are seen in many royal portraits created throughout late Dynasty 12 and Dynasty 13. There is one approach, however, that might lead to a tentative attribution of the head. Part of the lintel of a limestone shrine was found among the debris west of the pyramid of Amenemhat I (22.1.12), exhibited in gallery 109). It is inscribed with the name of Amenemhat IV. If there indeed existed a shrine for a statue of that king at the site, this head might once have been part of it. Except for small human faces on a row of uraei cobras, there is no other statue preserved showing the features of this son and successor of Amenemhat III.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1814–1805 B.C. suggested

Medium

Limestone

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1908