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Egyptian Antiquities :
Masterpieces of Egyptian Art : Relief Panels from the Tomb of Nererounet
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Relief Panels from the Tomb of Nererounet - PF.6219
Origin: Memphis, Egypt
Circa: 2323
BC
to 2150
BC
Dimensions:
44.75" (113.7cm) high
x 16.125" (41.0cm) wide
Collection: Egyptian
Style: 6th Dynasty
Medium: Stone
Additional Information: SOLD
Location: United States
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| Description |
Ancient Egypt is a land of monuments and mystery that has fascinated the minds of mankind for hundreds of years. Adventurers and archeologists ventured into the sun drenched deserts in hope of discovering some hidden tomb filled with treasures and wealth beyond imagination. Such finds generally begin with the unveiling of a simple stairwell leading to the tomb entrance. It is here that the real journey begins, when one ventures into the corridors of the past where no one has tread for thousands of years. We can imagine the excitement and magic that the excavator must have felt when first viewing these sculpted relief panels at the portal of a 6th Dynasty tomb dedicated to Nererounet, also known by the name Khnoumehotep. Nererounet is pictured on one of the panels, his son Khauit on the other. It is presumable that his son was entombed inside as well. Delicately carved hieroglyphs fill the panels, invoking the king and the gods, asking for these mortals to be ushered into the underworld. From the text, we understand that Nererounet worked in the royal household. Given the elaborate nature of his tomb, for which these panels are just the portal decoration, and the iconography of his portrait (he is represented carrying the baton de commandment), we can safely assume that he was a high-ranking member of the king’s court and not a mere royal servant. Both father and son are depicted in the typical Egyptian style with their torsos sculpted frontally and their legs and head seen in profile. Although these panels likely date to the 6th Dynasty, it is possible that they might date back even further to the end of the 5th Dynasty, for the 6th Dynasty was essentially just a continuation of the previous style. How marvelous these tomb relief sculptures must have appeared in their original setting, brightly painted in vibrant hues, illuminated by the golden rays of the sun. Under the glow of the sun, the relief carving would have been even that much more defined, with crisp shadows and warm highlights. This pair of panels originally honored a specific individual and his family. Today, however, these works are a memorial to the glories of Ancient Egypt and the magic and mystery the history of this land inspires within us.
- (PF.6219)
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