Scarab Inscribed with the Name Menkheperre (Thutmose III)

Unknown

ca. 1295–1070 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

On the right side of the scarab’s base is an oval – instead of the usual royal cartouche – encompassing hieroglyphs that form the name Menkheperre, the throne name of Thutmose III (Dynasty 18, ca. 1479-1425 B.C.). He was venerated after his death and the name of this great ruler continues to appear on stamp seals long after his reign, even into the Late Period (ca. 664-525 B.C.). The other signs and symbols point to a date in the Ramesside Period (Dynasty 19-20, ca. 1295-1070 B.C.), because they form an epithet that is particularly known from Menkheperre scarabs of that period: ‘Maat is satisfied/joyful’. Introduced on scarabs as early as the reign of Thutmose III, this royal epithet is known mainly from Dynasty 19-20, especially from the reign of Merneptah.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1295–1070 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Museum Accession