Oval Plaque Bearing the Name Menkheperre (Thutmose III ?)

Unknown

ca. 1070–525 B.C. · Limestone ? · Egyptian Art

This slightly convex oval plaque is decorated only on its base where it displays a large sign of life and an oval – a schematic version of the royal cartouche – containing hieroglyphs that form the name Menkheperre. This name is associated especially with the pharaoh Thutmose III (Dynasty 18, ca 1479-1425 B.C.). Together, the signs express the wish to bestow life upon Menkheperre and/or the blessing that Menkheperre bestows life upon the owner of the seal-amulet. However, this seal-amulet is not contemporary with the reign of Thutmose III and dates to the Third Intermediate Period or (early) Late Period (ca. 1070-525 B.C.); he was venerated after his death so that his name continues to appear on stamp seals long after his reign, even until the Late Period.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1070–525 B.C.

Medium

Limestone ?

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904