An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Statue of Amenemhat IIIc. 1859–1814 BCE
Even though this statue of a king is uninscribed, its distinctive features identify it without any doubt as a portrait of Amenemhat III. The heavy brows, prominent cheekbones, hollow cheeks, jutting lower jaw, and tightly bunched muscles at the corners of the mouth make a strikingly realistic impression. Not realistic, however, are the king’s supersized ears. Instead, they symbolize the ruler’s willingness to hear the prayers of his people. If this image had been carved in relief, the king’s hands would have been uplifted in worship. Here, however, to prevent the breakage of projecting limbs, the ruler’s hands are pressed flat against the front his kilt, a portion of which is looped over his belt.
The first pyramid Amenemhat III attempted to build, the so-called Black Pyramid, had major construction flaws and had to be abandoned when it started to collapse.
granodiorite
Overall: 51.2 x 19.8 x 18.4 cm (20 3/16 x 7 13/16 x 7 1/4 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In the dim light of the museum, a statue stands majestically, seemingly frozen in time yet alive with the echoes of the past. This is no ordinary figure; it is the embodiment of Amenemhat III, a king whose story whispers through the ages. The statue, though silent, speaks volumes through its features.
Imagine the heavy brows that shadow piercing eyes, the prominent cheekbones that lift like the crest of a wave, the hollow cheeks that tell of burdens carried and responsibilities shouldered. The jutting lower jaw echoes strength, a trait that every ruler must possess. Yet, there’s an undeniable realism etched into the stone, an intimacy that pulls you closer, inviting you to understand the man behind the myth.
But what of those ears—those exaggerated, supersized features? They are not merely anatomical curiosities; instead, they symbolize something far grander. They serve as a testament to Amenemhat III’s commitment to his people, a ruler eager to hear their prayers and pleas. One can almost imagine the whispers that carried on the breeze, seeking his attentive ear.
Had this statue been carved in relief, you might have seen the king’s hands uplifted in divine worship, palms open to the sky, as if capturing the essence of the heavens above. However, wisdom and practicality intertwined to shape his form. His hands are pressed flat against the front of his kilt, resting there as if to hold the weight of his duties close to his heart. The fabric of the kilt loops over the belt, creating a sense of order, of balance, grounding him in the earthly realm while still reaching for the divine.
As you stand before this hallowed figure, you can almost feel the pulse of ancient Egypt, its deserts and rivers whispering the tales of its pharaohs. The statue of Amenemhat III is not just a portrayal; it is a deep, contemplative reflection on leadership, connection, and the silent strength that lies within the heart of a king.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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