Interpretation
Imhotep, “the one who comes in peace,” was the chancellor of the Egyptian pharaoh Djoser (2668–2649 B.C.), in the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Very little is known of Imhotep as a historical figure, but in the centuries following his death he was gradually glorified as a scribe, counselor, doctor, priest, and astronomer, and eventually worshipped as a god of architecture and medicine. In art he is usually depicted seated and holding a scroll, perhaps recording a healing potion or spell.
Information
- Title
- Statuette of Imhotep
- Object Number
- y1042
- Medium
- Bronze
- Dates
- 664–204 BCE
- Dimensions
- figurine: 9.8 x 2.3 x 4.1 cm (3 7/8 x 15/16 x 1 5/8 in.) including base: 11.4 x 3.3 x 6.8 cm (4 7/16 x 1 5/16 x 2 11/16 in.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Carl Otto von Kienbusch, Class of 1906, in memory of Mrs. G. C. Currier, in 1927
- Culture
- Egyptian (ancient)
- Period
- Late Period
Ptolemaic
- Inscriptions
- See files for note on inscription (written on letterhead of Department of Egyptian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; not in the handwriting of W. Hayes, whose signature is on letters in files, and the paper looks a bit older than his period of office at the Met.; possibly it is the handwriting of a curator at the time of the gift, at Kienbusch's request). On the papyrus roll: 'Imhotep son of Ptah (?).' On the base: 'Imhotep, endowed with life forever, son of Ptah (?).' The latter part of both inscriptions is very uncertain. 'Son of P.' is a common epithet of Imhotep but here we may have the name of the owner or the donor of the statuette, perhaps Pedy-Hor.
- Materials
Part of the Old Collection, given by Carl Otto von Kienbusch
- States of Health: Visualizing Illness and Healing (November 2, 2019 –Sunday, February 2, 2020)
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The Museum regularly researches its objects and their collecting histories, updating its records to reflect new information. We also strive to catalogue works of art using language that is consistent with how people, subjects, artists, and cultures describe themselves. As this effort is ongoing, the Museum’s records may be incomplete or contain terms that are no longer acceptable. We welcome your feedback, questions, and additional information that you feel may be useful to us. Email us at collectionsinfo@princeton.edu.
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