Scarab

Unknown

ca. 1550–1479 B.C. · Egyptian blue, gold · Egyptian Art

This scarab was found in the same coffin as the statuettes of Amenemhab (26.7.1413a, b) and Huwebenef (26.7.1414a, b). An interesting mixture of designs indicates the lively individuality of artworks made during this transitional period. The back type, which has no indication of the beetle's wing cases, is typical of Second Intermediate Period scarabs found in the Nile Delta, and the rope pattern framing the design on the base had been used since the Middle Kingdom; both of these designs continued into early Dynasty 18. The winged scarab on the base is a new feature that becomes more common during the reigns of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. The notches on the beetle's carefully delineated wing cases are found regularly on the backs of scarabs dating to their joint reign.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1479 B.C.

Medium

Egyptian blue, gold

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926