Scarab with Red Crown Design

Unknown

ca. 1550–1480 B.C. · Green glazed steatite · Egyptian Art

Early Dynasty 18 scarabs (ca. 1550–1480 B.C.) show a strong resemblance to early Middle Kingdom scarabs (late Dynasty 11–early Dynasty 12, ca. 2030–1850 B.C.) in regards to the shape and details of their backs and sides. This can also be observed in the decorations on the underside. While some compositions show the introduction of new elements, such as the name of the god Amun, many designs are reminiscent of the Middle Kingdom. This ‘archaism’ can be explained by the fact that, after the end of the Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1550 B.C.), Dynasty 18 rulers reestablished Thebes as Egypt’s capital, as it had been at the beginning of the Middle Kingdom. This scarab shows two merged L-shaped motifs with a spiral, which are often interpreted as stylized versions of the Red Crown of Lower Egypt

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1480 B.C.

Medium

Green glazed steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922