Head and Torso of a Priest of the Goddess Bastet (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

ca. 1981–1802 BC
Egyptian
dark red quartzite
Overall (without base): 13 1/4 × 7 1/2 × 6 1/2 in. (33.655 × 19.05 × 16.51 cm)
Other (with base): 17 × 7 1/2 × 7 3/4 in. (43.18 × 19.05 × 19.685 cm)
51.19.3
Late period sculptors frequently looked to the art of the Middle Kingdom, almost 1500 years earlier, for inspiration. The striated wig, broad face, high cheekbones, set mouth, and prominent ears of this sculpture are typical of Middle Kingdom works, but the inscription on the back firmly dates the piece to the Late Period.
Dynasty 25
Middle Kingdom (Dynasty 12)
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund

Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.