Old Kingdom Limestone Head of an Official

Origin: EgyptCirca: Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, circa 2300 BC to 2181 BCDimensions: 3" Height x 3" Width x 3.25" Depth (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm x 8.25 cm), 5" Height (with stand) Medium: Limestone This delicately carved limestone head once belonged to a statue of an official and represents a classic example of old kingdom sculpture in the round.  We can see the remarkable attention to detail found in the treatment of the wig and the face, with short, black, tightly layered curls, heavily lidded eyes, and eyebrows executed in raised relief. The soft smile features a mouth indented at the corners and gives the visage a serene overall countenance. Varying degrees of pigment remain that add a touch of vitality and character to this elegantly executed figure.