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Egyptian Art

By ramieve
  • Female Figurine from Badari Culture, ca 5000 BCE, Hippopotamus Ivory, H: 14 cm; W: 3.80 cm; D: 2.20 cm; W: 114 g, Badari, Upper Egypt.
    5000 BCE

    Female Figurine from Badari Culture, ca 5000 BCE, Hippopotamus Ivory, H: 14 cm; W: 3.80 cm; D: 2.20 cm; W: 114 g, Badari, Upper Egypt.

    The Female Figurine from the Badari Culture is one of the earliest Egyptian sculptures representing fertility and rebirth. These figurines were likely used in religious or fertility rituals and placed in graves to ensure protection or rebirth in the afterlife. During this time, Egypt had no pharaohs yet, and communities relied on the Nile River, which, after flooding, left behind rich, fertile soil that allowed crops to grow and gave life to the land.
  • Pallet of Narmer, c. 3000-2920 BCE, slate, c. 64 cm x 42 cm, Egyptian Museum, Cairo
    3000 BCE

    Pallet of Narmer, c. 3000-2920 BCE, slate, c. 64 cm x 42 cm, Egyptian Museum, Cairo

    Pre-dynastic period, this palette depicts King Narmer uniting Upper and Lower Egypt. On one side of the palette, we can see Narmar wearing the "red crown" of Lower Egypt, and on the other side, we see him wearing the "white crown" of Upper Egypt. A style used in the palette is a hierarchical scale; King Narmar is portrayed as the largest. A theme for this palette could be unification and divine kingship.
  • Great Sphinx of Giza, c.2558-2532 BCE, Limestone, Length, 240 ft., Height, 66 ft., Giza Plateau, Egypt
    2558 BCE

    Great Sphinx of Giza, c.2558-2532 BCE, Limestone, Length, 240 ft., Height, 66 ft., Giza Plateau, Egypt

    The Old Kingdom, known as the “Age of the Pyramids,” began around 2686 BCE. The Great Sphinx of Giza, built for Pharaoh Khafre, has the body of a lion and the head of a human, symbolizing strength and royal power. During this time, Egypt became stable and wealthy under a strong government led by the pharaoh, who was seen as both a ruler and a god. Productive farming and an organized economy helped Egypt prosper and build lasting monuments.
  • The Seated Scribe, c. 2620-2500 BCE, Limestone and Rock crystal, 53.7 cm x 44 cm x 35 cm, Louvre Museum, France
    2494 BCE

    The Seated Scribe, c. 2620-2500 BCE, Limestone and Rock crystal, 53.7 cm x 44 cm x 35 cm, Louvre Museum, France

    The Seated Scribe is a lifelike sculpture created during the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. While pharaohs were depicted as perfect and idealized, this scribe is shown more realistically, highlighting the human side of Egyptian art. Scribes played an important role in society—they recorded taxes, laws, and religious texts. In this sculpture, the scribe is shown seated with a papyrus scroll, ready to write. The artwork reflects the Egyptians’ respect for intelligence and literacy.
  • Ancient Thebes, ca 2050- 1650 BCE, Stone, Luxor Governorate, Egypt.
    2050 BCE

    Ancient Thebes, ca 2050- 1650 BCE, Stone, Luxor Governorate, Egypt.

    Ancient Thebes served as a political and religious capital of Egypt. Temples like Karnak and Luxor could be found in Ancient Thebes. It was the center of the cult of Amun-Ra, showing the Egyptians’ emphasis on religion and the afterlife.
  • Head and Torso of a Noblewoman, ca 1844-1837 BCE, Diorite, 22.9 x 15.9 x 11.4 cm, Deir el-Bahri, Egypt
    1844 BCE

    Head and Torso of a Noblewoman, ca 1844-1837 BCE, Diorite, 22.9 x 15.9 x 11.4 cm, Deir el-Bahri, Egypt

    This sculpture provides evidence of gender equality among the elite during the Middle Kingdom. Promoting equality helped the kingdom restore stability after the chaos of the First Intermediate Period. We can also see a shift from idealized, “perfect” faces to more naturalistic, human representations. Sculptures from this time often show more emotion, such as the subtle expressions seen in the archaic smile.