egypt-museum: Statue of King Mentuhotep IIKing Mentuhotep II founded the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (ca
egypt-museum: Statue of King Mentuhotep IIKing Mentuhotep II founded the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (ca. 2050-1710 BC) when he reunited the country after many years of disorder and hostility.This statue is made out of painted sandstone, represents a stepping-stone in the renaissance of Egyptian art at the beginning of the Middle Kingdom. King Mentuhotep II is shown here seated, wearing the Deshret Red Crown of Lower Egypt, a knee-length white Heb Sed, or jubilee robe, and a ceremonial beard.The king is portrayed with black skin and arms crossed on his chest to identify him with Osiris. The artist modeled the statue showing a well-built body and massive legs and feet. This shape depicts the ruler in a powerful form and shows no sign of any physical deformity.Middle Kingdom, 11th Dynasty, reign of Mentuhotep II, ca. 2061-2010 BC. From the Mortuary Temple of Mentuhotep II at Deir el-Bahari. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 36195 -- source link