Stelophorous Statue of Bay

Unknown

ca. 1294–1250 B.C. · Limestone · Egyptian Art

This statuette depicts a kneeling man holding a stela inscribed with a hymn to the sun. An inscription on the back of the statuette identifies the man as Bay, who was a scribe working in the administration of the temple of Seti I, a post he probably held into the reign of Seti's son, Ramesses II. Complete statues of nonroyal individuals from this period are uncommon, and pieces of this fine quality are extremely rare.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1294–1250 B.C.

Medium

Limestone

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Fletcher Fund and The Guide Foundation Inc. Gift, 1966 (66.99.94); Gift of R. J. Demarée, 2009 (2009.253)