Seated Scribe, C

Creator

• Unknown

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

circa 2620-2325 BCE

Abstract

Close detail of upper body and head, front right corner

Keywords

Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty, 5th Dynasty, Sculpture (Visual works)

Alt Text

A statue of a man with a muscular torso and graying hair, displayed against a dark background. The figure has detailed facial features and body.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Egypt; Ṣaqqārah (Egypt)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

This is a cross-legged scribe at work, his left hand holding a papyrus as his right had motions towards the scroll. He has realistic facial features and a slightly overweight build which suggests that he was a high-status individual, as does his job. Scribes were essential for record-keeping, taxes, and contracts, a prime example of an Old Kingdom administrative figure. Different than the depictions of pharaohs is the humanization of this subject, hinting at his age and comfort. The material of this sculpture is painted limestone, with eyes that are inlaid with rock crystal, magnesium carbonate, and copper-arsenic alloy, as well as nipples that are made of wood. This piece was discovered in 1850 by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette at Saqqara, north of the Serapeum's sphinx line. It is currently housed in the Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

Identifier

A01-JEC0023B

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Seated Scribe, C" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 88.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/88