Head of a Ptolemaic Queen, Possibly Berenike II

Ptolemaic Period

ca. 246–222 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

This faience head was not part of a statue, but rather belonged to the decoration of an oinochoai (wine jug) or a similar vessel, which could include high relief depictions of queens enacting in libation rituals. Based on its facial features, it has been suggested that this head represents Queen Berenike II.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Head of a Ptolemaic Queen, Possibly Berenike II
Period: Ptolemaic Period
Date: ca. 246–222 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Green and yellow faience
Dimensions: H. 3.1 × W. 2.3 × D. 2.8 cm (1 1/4 × 7/8 × 1 1/8 in.)
Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
Object Number: 2021.41.36
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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