Egyptian Limestone Stele Fragment

Origin: EgyptCirca: New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, Reign of Ramesses II, 1279 BC to 1213 BC Dimensions: 12.5" Height x 16.2" Width x 2.8" Depth (31.75 cm x 41.15 cm x 7.1 cm) with standMedium: Limestone A dazzling and dynamic composition, this brightly illustrated limestone stele fragment is dedicated to 'Penbuy,' a noted craftsman working in the Valley of the Kings and part of the community of artisans living in Deir el-Medina. The brilliant carving, executed in sunk relief, depicts a kneeling male figure facing right and wearing a long kilt. His arms are raised in adoration in front of offerings comprising a sheaf of flowers, bread, a haunch of meat and a bull. Above the scene we find a six column hieroglyphic inscription, which reads: ‘doubling the offerings of all things good and pure for their spirits, by the hand of the Guardian of the Place of Truth, Penbuy, justified.’