King's Head with Egyptian Headdress but Greek Hair and Features

Ptolemaic Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

This head depicts a Ptolemaic ruler in a style which combines a traditional kind of Egyptian royal image with certain markers of the Ptolemaic Greek origins - in particular Greek hair. The particular arrangement of this king's hair suggests Ptolemy VIII (170-163 and 145-116 BC) or Ptolemy X (107-88 BC) may be represented.

The dark stone of the statue suggests it may relate to the series of lifesize or under-lifesize statues functioning as ritual statues in the native royal cults supported by the Ptolemies.

Link to a blog about Ptolemaic Art at The Met
Nile and Newcomers: A Fresh Installation of Egyptian Ptolemaic Art

King's Head with Egyptian Headdress but Greek Hair and Features, Gabbro

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King's Head with Egyptian Headdress but Greek Hair and Features, Gabbro
King's Head with Egyptian Headdress but Greek Hair and Features, Gabbro
King's Head with Egyptian Headdress but Greek Hair and Features, Gabbro
King's Head with Egyptian Headdress but Greek Hair and Features, Gabbro

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