Ostracon of Senenmut
Ostracon of Senenmut, ca. 1473–1458
B.C.E.; Dynasty 18, reign of Hatshepsut
Egyptian; Thebes
Painted limestone; 8 7/8 x 7 1/4 in. (22.5 x 18.1 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1936 (36.3.252)
Description
"Senenmut was one of the most trusted of Hatshepsut's officials. Although he held many administrative positions, he is best known as chief architect of her temple. This artist's sketch is similar to known representations of Senenmut. Chips of limestone and broken pottery, known as ostraca, were frequently used as disposable sketch pads by Egyptian artists of all periods. This ostracon was uncovered by the Museum's Egyptian Expedition in 1936 in the vicinity of Senenmut's offering chapel and may have been used as a guide for the decoration of one of his monuments." - MET
Copyright © 2001 The Metropolitan Museum of Art - MET