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Relief of Nyankhnesut Seated, from Saqqara, c. 2311-2281 BC (painted limestone)
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Relief of Nyankhnesut Seated, from Saqqara, c. 2311-2281 BC (painted limestone)
491161 Relief of Nyankhnesut Seated, from Saqqara, c.2311-2281 BC (painted limestone)
by Egyptian 6th Dynasty (c.2350-2200 BC); h:98.70 w:80.60 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Nyankhnesut was a high official who lived during Dynasty 6 (2311-2281 BC). Reliefs from his tomb appeared on the art market in the early 20th century and are now dispersed in 15 museums and several private collections worldwide. Although the style of the carving indicates that the reliefs came from Saqqara, the tombs exact location in that great necropolis was not revealed until 2000 during excavations by the Egyptian government. The scenes center on food production and the provisioning of the tomb. As the tomb owner looks on, men bring in trays bearing bread and baskets of fruit. Others bring live poultry or lead in animals, both wild (antelope) and domesticated (oxen) for sacrifice. The largest, most important relief depicts agricultural scenes. The farmers activities are labeled: " sowing" and " plowing" in the upper register, " pulling flax" below. In the center, a man plays the flute to entertain the harvesters. Directly below him, a man stretches out his arms, holding a sickle and an ear of grain, exclaiming, " What a beautiful day." Detailed and lively scenes such as these magically ensured an everlasting supply of food for the deceased.
); Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust; Egyptian, out of copyright
Media ID 22923408
© Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust / Bridgeman Images
Artefact Artifact C23rd C24th Old Kingdom Saqqara
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the "Relief of Nyankhnesut Seated" from Saqqara, dating back to approximately 2311-2281 BC. Created by the skilled artisans of Egypt's 6th Dynasty, this painted limestone relief measures an impressive height of 98.70 cm and width of 80.60 cm. The subject of this relief is Nyankhnesut, a prominent high official who lived during Dynasty 6. Discovered in his tomb, these reliefs were scattered across various museums and private collections before finding their home at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA. The scenes depicted on this relief revolve around food production and provisioning for the afterlife. As Nyankhnesut observes with a watchful eye, men bring trays filled with bread and baskets overflowing with fruit. Live poultry and animals are also presented for sacrifice – both wild antelope and domesticated oxen make appearances. Of particular significance is the largest relief depicting agricultural activities such as sowing seeds and plowing fields in the upper register, while below it shows farmers pulling flax fibers. In the center stands a man playing a flute to entertain harvesters, while another stretches out his arms joyfully holding a sickle and an ear of grain exclaiming "What a beautiful day". These detailed scenes served as magical representations ensuring an everlasting supply of food for Nyankhnesut in his eternal journey beyond life's boundaries. This remarkable piece offers us insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding death rituals and their intricate connection to sustenance even after passing into the realm of eternity.
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