Man squatting with head resting on his hands on his knees

Unknown

332–30 B.C. · Leaded bronze · Egyptian Art

This statuette belongs to a late type from Egypt seen in limestone or bronze depicting a nude individual resting with his hands and head on one or both knees. One interpretation connects these with mourners depicted in earlier tomb reliefs. There are also small faience figures from Rhodes sometimes termed 'temple boys'' that are related in pose, as well as Hellenistic statuettes of 'Ethiopians' apparently representing crouching and waiting servants. This figure's large head, haggard features and fatigue are notable; a servant is probably intended, but the meaning of his fatigue or dejection is not clear to us.

Artist

Unknown

Date

332–30 B.C.

Medium

Leaded bronze

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926