Relief Depicting a Harpist
Place made:Egypt
Culture: Egyptian
Period: New Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 18
Date: ca. 1352-1336 B.C.
Medium: Limestone
Dimensions:
height: 8 11/16 in. (22 cm)
width: 20 1/16 in. (51 cm)
depth: 2 in. (5.1 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Object number: 91.80.163
Provenance: Unsold, Münzen und Medaillen, Auktion 59, June 16, 1981, lot 28. Sold, Christie's London, July 16, 1985, lot 241 to Gilbert M. Denman, Jr. (1921-2004), San Antonio; Gilbert M. Denman, Jr., by gift to San Antonio Museum of Art, 1991
Label Text
Music was an integral part of the court life at Amarna, and groups of musicians are often depicted entertaining the royal family. A female harpist stands within an architectural setting, indicated by the fluted column at center. Probably performing in the royal palace, she is part of a group of female musicians, as the partially preserved thigh of a companion at the far left demonstrates. The harpist's body is clearly visible through her diaphanous gown, its forms carved with considerable grace and sensitivity. The artist has paid particular attention to the musician's hand, with thumb and forefinger pressed together to pluck the strings of her instrument. In an extraordinary display of sculptural virtuosity, the sculptor has carved the harp strings partially in sunk relief (allowing them to pass behind her outstretched near hand) and partially in raised relief (as they pass in front of her far arm). The composition is thus an early and masterful attempt at creating the illusion of three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional medium.
(Gallery Label, August 2002).
(Gallery Label, August 2002).
On view
In Collection(s)
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
