Monumental Head of a Foreigner

Unknown

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

With its short projecting beard, this monumental head portrays the image of an Asiatic man as one of Egypt’s prototypical enemies. Part of a series of such heads, it most probably decorated a window in a palace façade, through which the king would appear overlooking a courtyard. Seeming as if lying below him, these heads would appear as if fallen under the Pharaoh’s dominion. This imagery thereby symbolizes the king’s power to subdue any force of chaos threatening Egypt’s, and therefore the world’s stability.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1295–1070 B.C.

Medium

Limestone

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Lewis and Elaine Dubroff, in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2017